The sun is shining and winter seems kind in L.A. this week, but not beneath the surface. Three people have died of influenza in the last two weeks, the county reports, marking the first fatalities of the 2010-11 flu season.

Don't panic, but …

The county also reports that an unidentified school has seen an outbreak, with 50 students coming down with the bug there recently.

The people who died included a 48-year-old obese man, a 29-year-old obese woman and a 4-year-old boy. Obesity is a newer risk factor in catching influenza, experts say.

So there's another reason to keep that new year's resolution (and get on the nearest treadmill).

Jonathan Fielding, the county's chief health honcho, says you should still probably get a flu shot even though the season's already peaking:

“We're approaching the time of year when we typically see peak numbers of flu cases. There is still time to get a flu shot or the flu mist nasal spray vaccine to protect yourself, your loved ones and those around you from this illness.''

Look for flu season to last until about May this year.

-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us. Follow us on Twitter, too: @dennisjromero.

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