(Image source from: FOX 61)

Connecticut Department of Health has reported the initial flu death in the states this season.

Richard Blumenthal, the United States Senator declared the death on Monday just before he was scheduled to appear at a press conference with medical professionals at Hartford Hospital to urge people to get flu shots.

The only detail about the death released was that the victim was older than 65. Until now this flu season, 22 people in Connecticut have been hospitalized with the flu.

Blumenthal has been a chief voice in calling for accrued federal investment in universal flu vaccine development.

Federal officials say more than 80,000 people died nationwide from flu last year, including more than 150 in Connecticut.

Dr. Goran Miljkovic, the infectious disease specialist at Bridgeport Hospital, said adults 65 and older are particularly vulnerable to the flu, along with young children, and those with compromised immune systems.

He also said that a single early death does not necessarily cast a pall over the rest of the season.

"Even one case of flu can lead to a death," Miljkovic said.

-Sowmya Sangam