California reports its first child under 5 to die from flu and RSV this season

California health officials are warning families to take precautions against the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV, after a child under the age of 5 died after contracting the illnesses. 

The California Department of Health reported the child's death on Monday, saying that no identifying details of the child would be released to protect the family's privacy. It was the first reported death of this nature and age range this winter season, officials said. 

"Young children are most vulnerable to severe complications from RSV and the flu, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or were born premature," officials said.