Local News

Flu Activity Picking Up in Washington

Dec 27, 2019

Okanogan County Public Health has learned that an elementary-school-aged child in King County has died from complications of influenza. The child was previously healthy and died on December 15th in a Pierce County hospital. This is the first reported flu death in a child in King County since the last reported pediatric death in 2009. There have also been three reported flu-related deaths in King County adults to date in the 2019/2020 flu season.

“Losing a child to influenza is heartbreaking and I want to extend our deep sympathy to the family,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. ”This death is a tragic reminder of how serious influenza can be, especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with long-term health conditions.

“I urge everyone to get an annual flu vaccine and to stay home when sick to help prevent the spread of illness to these more vulnerable groups,” said Duchin. “If you’re in a high risk group and develop influenza symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away – antiviral treatment can prevent serious complications.”

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea. People who are sick with the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms; not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Okanogan County Public Health is urging people who have "influenza-like illness" to please stay home and away from people who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting the flu! They say they are seeing reports of increased influenza activity in Okanogan County.

Be considerate of others! Again, please stay home if you are sick! Wash your hands often and make sure to cover your cough!