Flu Activity 'Very High' In Washington

OLYMPIA, WA — State health officials this month are renewing a push for more people to get their flu shots, as illnesses and hospitalizations trend upward heading into the coldest months of the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity in the United States typically peaks between December and February.

In a news release just before Thanksgiving, the state Department of Health noted local flu cases were rapidly rising, and related hospitalizations reached their highest rate in a decade for this time of year. According to an update shared Monday, influenza activity is now classified as "very high" in Washington, with seven lab-confirmed deaths recorded across the state this season.

DOH said the most common flu strain this year is influenza A, or H3N2, which is usually associated with more severe symptoms.

Flu illnesses can present serious complications for at-risk groups, including patients who are under 5 years old, 65 and older, or pregnant, along with those who are immunocompromised or with chronic health conditions.

Other circulating respiratory viruses compound the flu challenge, DOH officials said, including COVID-19 and RSV cases, which together renew capacity concerns for hospitals across the region. Many pediatric hospitals are already contending with that reality. Officials urge more families to consider getting a flu shot to help prevent further strain.

Earlier this month, DOH issued a high-level alert as pediatric emergency department volumes reached 200 to 300 percent.

"Our state's pediatric healthcare system is overloaded with extremely high numbers of children with respiratory infections," said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Washington's chief science officer. "Families urgently need to do everything they can to keep everyone healthy and avoid the need for healthcare, and flu vaccination is one of the most important prevention tools."

Official state guidelines recommend flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Since flu shots take about two weeks to be fully effective, and with Christmas less than a month away, DOH recommends getting shots sooner than later.

More information about flu activity and Washington, and where to find a shot, is available via KnockOutFlu.org.