Connecticut officials have confirmed the first flu death in the state for the 2025-26 season.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health said an elderly adult in Hartford County between the ages of 80 to 89 years old died from the flu. The death, which marks the first of the season, occurred during the week of Oct. 25, officials said.
“This is a tragic reminder that the 2025-26 respiratory viral disease season is here. As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays, more people gather together and spend more time indoors,” said DPH commissioner Manisha Juthani. “If you haven’t gotten your seasonal shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself from potential serious complications and protect our most vulnerable.”
While flu levels remain low across Connecticut, health care officials say they are expecting numbers to spike during the holiday season as more people congregate indoors. COVID-19 is currently the most active virus circulating in the state. There have been seven COVID-19 deaths reported this season, one flu death and no deaths from RSV.
Because of the expected increase, officials are urging residents to get vaccinated, including those most at risk. Infants, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered most vulnerable against the influenza virus. Health officials say that when more people are vaccinated, it helps stop diseases from spreading and eases strain on overburdened health care staff.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s current vaccine and prevention guidance is:
- Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine.
- Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Adults 60 years of age and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine.
- A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab, is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].