Early flu season lands in WA as COVID numbers also rise

Key Points:

• An unusually early and sharp increase in flu cases has been observed in the Puget Sound area and West Coast, with emergency visits and positive tests reaching levels typical of December or January, particularly affecting children and teenagers.
• King County reported over 400 flu-related emergency visits in the first week of October, a significant rise from fewer than 50 in previous years, alongside nine flu-related deaths since late September.
• Seattle Children’s Hospital and Providence Swedish have seen marked increases in flu cases and positive tests, prompting healthcare providers to urge early vaccination due to the virus’s early presence and rapid spread.
• COVID-19 cases continue to circulate, especially among older adults, with ongoing outbreaks in long-term care facilities, compounding concerns about respiratory illness risks this season.
• Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded indoor spaces, and improved ventilation as key measures to prevent flu and other respiratory infections during this early and potentially prolonged flu season.