Local families are experiencing tragedy as loved ones succumb to the flu. In the 2022-23 flu season, the DOH said there have been 11 adult flu deaths and two pediatric flu deaths. Flu deaths statewide jumped from seven on Nov. 19 to 13 by Nov. 26, according to the DOH’s weekly flu report. There was an average of 193 flu deaths between 2014-2020, with a peak of 296 deaths in the 2017-18 flu season, according to DOH data. An elementary-school-aged child died on Nov. 13 due to complications from the flu.
It is the first reported pediatric flu death in King County and Washington state this season and the first in the county since the 2019-2020 flu season. Public Health said it has seen an early and rapidly increasing flu activity this year compared to past seasons. The department said the death comes at a time during increased hospitalizations for respiratory viruses among children locally and nationally.
Experts say increased flu activity was expected coming out of the pandemic, especially now that children are back in school. Respiratory illnesses are coming back and they have come back full force. The region is at the early part of the peak influenza activity. It is not expected to get much worse but it could stay at its current plateau phase until around mid-January.
Most deaths have been for people with underlying health conditions or elderly people.
Some ways to stay free from the flu:
-Get a flu shot
-Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year
-Everyone five years and older who received a COVID-19 shot at least two months ago is eligible and should get the updated booster
-Wash hands regularly
-Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when in indoor public spaces
-If you’re sick – even if you test negative for COVID-19 – stay home
The most common strain of flu seen so far this year is influenza A (H3N2), which typically causes more severe disease. The flu vaccines provide protection against that strain, officials said. The 2022-2023 influenza season has seen high activity early in the season, along with other circulating viral illnesses, like RSV and COVID-19.
So far this season 40 Washington residents, including three children, have died from influenza, according to the Department of Health’s most recent report. Three of those 40 deaths were Cowlitz County residents. The county has also seen two influenza outbreaks in longterm care facilities. Washington hospitals, including PeaceHealth St. John, have reported busy emergency departments with longer waits. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible and encouraged for the flu vaccine.
