SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- December typically starts the peak of flu season and people across the country are working hard to stay healthy ahead of the holidays. However, data released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is showing flu and RSV are spiking across the state, along with the first pediatric flu death of the season. Stay healthy this flu season: Free flu shots in San Diego County The state public health department in its weekly virus report from Dec. 1-7 shows a 2.2% increase in positive COVID-19 tests, a 9.1% increase in positive flu tests, and a 6.4% increase in positive RSV tests. The increase in flu was up from 7.7% the previous week. CDPH also reported the state's first pediatric flu death of the 2024/2025 flu season. 2 cats die from possible H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. How bad a flu season will be depends on several factors like what strains of the flu are circulating that year and how immune and healthy the population is. According to CDPH's weekly virus report, RSV and influenza activity are increasing across the state, approaching moderate levels, while COVID-19 is currently low in California. Over 700 flu cases reported this week across San Diego County Locally, San Diego County health officials reported more than 700 flu cases this past week, up from nearly 300 the week before, noting the increase is the biggest so far this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weekly influenza report ending Dec. 7 shows seasonal influenza activity continues to increase across the country, with Influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B viruses co-circulating this week. Flu vaccines drop among kids despite record deaths last year: CDC Influenza can be prevented by getting a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older gets a flu shot every year. Whether or not you have health insurance, you can get the flu shot at no cost. For those without insurance, there are six county Public Health Centers as well as local community clinics that offer flu shots at no cost.