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Flu season arrives early in western Washington, with 2 deaths reported this fall
KING5.com • • health
Key Points:
- Western Washington is experiencing an unusually early flu season, with two flu-related deaths reported this fall and a significant rise in hospitalizations and positive cases among children.
- At Optum's Shoreline clinic, nine patients tested positive for influenza over two days in early October, highlighting the early surge in flu cases.
- Snohomish and Thurston counties each reported a flu-related death in October, involving older adults with underlying health conditions.
- Seattle Children's Hospital noted about 150 children tested positive for influenza in late September, a sharp increase compared to around 10 cases during the same period last year.
- Health officials and infectious disease specialists warn that flu activity is peaking earlier than usual, with reports of multiple students falling ill in classrooms before October.
