Flu cases spike in Washington state
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
If you've been battling the flu, you are not alone.
Driving the news: Sick season has arrived in Washington with flu cases quadrupling in December, according to the state Department of Health (DOH).
Threat level: Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, head and body aches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By the numbers: Positive flu tests reported to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System by Washington laboratories jumped from 148 in late November to 596 by late last month, per DOH.
- 11 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported for the season.
- 32 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been reported in long-term care facilities.
- 199 hospital beds in Washington were occupied by flu patients during the last week of December.
Yes, but: RSV cases, which had risen from 163 to 411 positive specimens between November and late December, were down slightly last week, per DOH.
- COVID-19 accounted for only about 1% of hospital admissions and ER visits from Dec. 22–28.
Zoom out: In neighboring Oregon, health officials are urging precautions after two children died from the flu last month.
What they're saying: "Flu is on the rise in King County, and we may see high levels for the next couple of months," said Eric Chow, chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization at Public Health – Seattle & King County.
- Chow recommends a flu shot, masking indoors, improving ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick.