HARTFORD, Conn. — Six Connecticut residents have died of influenza since late September, the state Department of Public Health said Wednesday, reporting the first flu deaths of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. All six were adults 55 and older.

The department said one death was recorded in the week ending Sept. 26, three in the week ending Oct. 17 and two in the week ending Oct. 24. The first death came about a month earlier than in the previous season, when the first flu death was reported the week of Oct. 25, 2025, according to the department.

The department also reported nine COVID-19 deaths and no RSV deaths since September.

"These deaths are a sobering reminder that flu can be serious, especially for older adults, and that respiratory virus season is already here," Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said. She noted that it takes about two weeks for the body to build protection after a flu shot.

The department recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. It said adults 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant people, and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications from flu. Officials said people at higher risk who develop flu symptoms should call a doctor early, because antiviral drugs work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

The state is providing flu vaccine for uninsured and underinsured adults through the Connecticut Vaccines for Adults program, the department said. It has also published a statewide list of flu clinics, compiled with local health departments and federally qualified health centers, that includes clinic dates and services for people who are homebound.

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