Although it began later than usual this year, the flu season is now fully underway in Washington, following a spike in December. The latest weekly flu report from the Washington State Department of Health has labeled transmission levels as “very high,” with the state reporting over 480 confirmed cases for two consecutive weeks. It's important to note that many cases remain unconfirmed, suggesting that the actual number of infections is probably even greater.
This winter, Washington has reported eleven fatalities associated with the flu, with the virus responsible for 5 percent of emergency room visits and 3 percent of hospital admissions during the latest recorded week.
As cases may continue to increase, here’s all the essential information you should be aware of regarding the flu this winter.
When is the expected peak of flu season?
As expected, the transmission of the flu generally reaches its highest point during the winter months in Washington, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH). Last winter, the proportion of doctor visits attributed to flu-like symptoms peaked in the final week of December, based on DOH statistics. In contrast, the previous year experienced a peak towards the end of November and the beginning of December.
This year, case numbers appear to be reaching their peak later than usual. In the first three weeks of December, the weekly confirmed cases surged from 194 to 596, marking a threefold increase. Although there was a slight decline to 489 in the fourth week of December — the latest data released by the Department of Health — this decrease might be due to reduced testing during the Christmas week. Even with the drop in confirmed cases, the percentage of positive flu tests increased to 18.2 percent, up from 14.9 percent the previous week. Additionally, the proportion of doctor visits related to flu symptoms rose from 4.5 percent to 6.6 percent in that same week, indicating that the flu is still spreading.
When can we expect the peak in case counts? According to a spokesperson from the Department of Health in an email to McClatchy, the timing of flu season varies annually, but the highest number of cases in the state typically occurs in December, January, or February. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that, on a national level, flu cases most frequently reach their peak in February.
How severe has this flu season turned out to be?
The proportion of doctor visits related to the flu has already exceeded the highest levels recorded last year, when the 2022-23 winter saw figures rise above 15 percent. However, despite the increased number of cases, the severity of illness remains significantly lower compared to the previous year. By the end of December's fourth week, Washington reported 11 flu-related fatalities, a number that is considerably less than last winter’s total of 132 and also lower than the 24 deaths recorded by the same time last year. In the winter prior, there were 272 flu deaths, with 114 occurring by the fourth week of December.
Aside from the flu seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22, which experienced unusually low case numbers because of COVID-19 safety protocols, this winter has recorded the second lowest number of flu-related fatalities by the last week of December compared to any year since 2016.
Nevertheless, that figure may increase in the near future. According to the Department of Health's hospitalization data, which is current through January 4, the number of intensive care unit beds occupied by flu patients each week is already double the peak seen last winter and is nearing the peak from the winter of 2022-23. Additionally, weekly hospitalizations associated with the flu have significantly surpassed those of the previous season, with 272 reported in the latest week available, compared to last year's peak of 175. However, it remains considerably lower than the peak of 449 recorded in 2023.
Certainly, given that the state's test positivity rate continues to increase, it is likely that those figures may rise even more.
Which areas in Washington have reported the highest number of flu cases?
Among the nine regional reporting affiliates of the Department of Health (DOH), Southwest Washington—which includes Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties—has recorded the highest incidence of flu-related emergency room and hospital visits. Following closely is Better Health Together, which encompasses Spokane and a large portion of eastern Washington, holding the second highest rates for both types of visits. North-central Washington's Thriving Together NCW ranks third for emergency room visits, while Greater Health Now, serving Yakima, the Tri-Cities area, and beyond, has the third highest rate of hospitalizations.
What are the key facts you need to understand about the flu strains this year?
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Health, the influenza strains currently circulating in Washington this year resemble the predominant strains from the previous year. The two main strains observed this winter are H1N1 and H3N2, both of which are types of Influenza A. The flu vaccine available this year includes components that offer protection against both of these strains, as stated by the DOH.
What can you tell me about avian influenza?
You may have come across information regarding the avian flu that is affecting bird populations globally. Although there have been 66 confirmed human cases to date, it is viewed more as a possible risk rather than an urgent concern at this time. The CDC has not documented any instances of transmission between humans and assesses the current risk level to the public as low.
As of now, there have been 11 confirmed cases reported in Washington, in addition to three suspected cases, based on data from the Department of Health. The disease is transmitted through close interaction with infected animals, prompting experts to advise against contact and to use protective gear when near any potentially ill animals.
Is it still possible to get a flu shot at this time?
Although flu season is already in full swing, there's still time to receive your vaccination against the virus. The Department of Health urges residents of Washington to get their flu shot by the end of October, but the vaccine will remain accessible until the end of June. You can obtain flu vaccines at numerous pharmacies as well as at healthcare providers' offices. To locate options in your area, visit vaccines.gov.
Tips for Preventing the Flu
To avoid contracting the flu, the Department of Health advises following these guidelines.
- Get the flu vaccine
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Consider wearing a mask if you’d like extra protection, especially in places without good ventilation, or in crowded places like airports or theaters
If you have the flu, you should take the following steps: 1. **Rest**: Ensure you get plenty of sleep and take it easy to help your body recover. 2. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths to prevent dehydration. 3. **Over-the-Counter Medications**: Consider taking over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms such as fever, aches, and congestion. 4. **Consult a Healthcare Professional**: If symptoms worsen or you have underlying health conditions, seek advice from a doctor. 5. **Avoid Spreading the Virus**: Stay home, avoid close contact with others, and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently. 6. **Eat Nutritious Foods**: Try to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to support your immune system. 7. **Monitor Symptoms**: Keep an eye on your symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent fever. Remember, it's always best to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to the flu, the Department of Health recommends that you:
- Stay home, if you can
- If you can’t stay home, wear a mask in public to protect others
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands
- If you are elderly or have chronic conditions that put you at risk for complications from the flu, talk to your health care provider to see if testing or treatment is needed
