Fast-spreading flu strain pushes ER visits higher across Western Washington
KING5.com • • health
Key Points:
- Flu cases in King County have surged, with emergency department visits for flu-like symptoms nearly doubling from 300 per week in early December to over 560 in early January, and 10 adult deaths reported so far.
- Vaccination rates in the county remain low, with just over 31% of residents vaccinated this season, continuing a downward trend that raises concerns amid the spread of a highly contagious mutated influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K.
- Despite some vaccine mismatch with the circulating strain, health officials emphasize that flu shots still significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, especially for high-risk groups like young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions.
- Pediatric flu deaths are a critical concern
