EVERETT — It’s the flu season that almost wasn’t, but it still has killed five people in Washington.
Flu activity is low, yet higher than the 2020-2021 flat season.
“There’s still a flu season, but it’s a mild one,” said Heather Thomas, spokesperson for the Snohomish Health District.
There have been a few dozen cases, but no deaths, in Snohomish County.
Five flu deaths have been reported statewide for this 2021-2022 season. The five people were 65 and older, the demographic traditionally hit hard. One influenza-like illness outbreak was reported in a long-term care facility.
In the previous season, there were no deaths reported in Washington from flu, but COVID-19 claimed many lives.
In the 2019-2020 flu season, which ended before the pandemic domination, 11 people died from influenza in Snohomish County. Statewide, the flu claimed 114 lives. Most had underlying medical conditions.
The flu season starts in October and usually peaks December through February.
“We’re still technically in the midst of flu season,” Thomas said.
So it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a shot every year.
Tests can determine if a respiratory illness is influenza or COVID. Some symptoms are similar, such as cough, sore throat, body ache, fever and fatigue.
Flu tends to have a sharp onset. With COVID, the onset can be gradual and people who are asymptomatic can spread the disease longer.
Both infections are spread by droplets when people cough, sneeze, talk or sing. The coronavirus is more contagious, especially with the variants.
Masks, social distancing and other measures of stopping the spread of COVID have factored into the low rate of flu transmission.
“The same things that are working for COVID-19 are the same things that work for flu and other viruses going around,” Thomas said. “And that’s why it’s important to stay home if you are sick, wash your hands and keep a distance from people.”
Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter @reporterbrown.
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