Connecticut has already recorded its first flu deaths of the season, according to NBC News. Six people have died since the week ending September 26, according to new data from the state Department of Public Health. All six were age 55 or older, the department says.

The first death came that week, NBC News reports. Three more followed in the week ending October 17, and two more in the week ending October 24. It is not yet known whether the people who died had a flu shot this year, a department spokesperson said in comments to TODAY.com.

At this time last year, Connecticut had not recorded any flu deaths, the outlet reports. Flu cases in the state rose more than 22% in the past week, and flu hospital stays rose more than 64%. Current levels look like what the state saw in mid to late November last year.

"These deaths are a sobering reminder that flu can be serious, especially for older adults, and that respiratory virus season is already here," said Dr. Manisha Juthani, the state's public health commissioner, in a press release. Flu usually peaks in Connecticut in December or January. If the current pattern holds, the spokesperson said the peak could come in early December.

Across the country, cases are still low overall but growing, NBC News reports, citing the CDC. Positive flu tests rose nearly 6% in the latest week. A newly mutated H1N1 strain is thought to be behind many early cases. Experts say an early season does not always mean a severe one.

What we know: Six people in Connecticut have died of flu this season, all age 55 or older.
What we don't: How severe this season will be. Only NBC News has reported this so far, and NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.