Everett
The Snohomish County Health Department issued a notice Friday confirming the region's initial influenza fatality of the autumn season, marking an unusually early onset for flu activity.
A man in his seventies residing in Edmonds passed away on October 3 after testing positive for Influenza A, a health department release stated. The individual was reported to have pre-existing health complications. Influenza A is categorized as the most prevalent and severe strain of the virus.
Hollianne Bruce, the agency's lead epidemiologist, noted that the county has recorded 63 flu-related hospitalizations since August 30, a figure aligning with caseloads generally observed in early December. Of that total, 31 admissions were documented last week.
Historically, the earliest flu-related fatalities in the county have occurred in November over the previous three years. While the flu season typically extends from October through April with a winter peak, health officials noted that influenza viruses can circulate throughout the year.
Dr. James Lewis, health officer for the Snohomish County Health Department, stated that flu activity has arrived early in Snohomish County and the greater Seattle area. He advised residents to secure vaccinations promptly to mitigate the risk of severe illness or mortality.
Health authorities advise that immunization is recommended for individuals aged six months and older to lessen symptom severity, reduce sick leave, and prevent hospitalization. Officials suggest receiving a vaccination one to two weeks prior to attending large gatherings. Immunizations are accessible at various pharmacies and clinics. In Washington state, vaccines are provided at no cost for children under 19, while most insurance policies cover adult vaccination costs.
Data released Friday indicates that during the 2025-26 season, the county logged 24 flu-related deaths and 606 hospitalizations. These statistics reflect a decline from the 2024-25 period, which saw 859 hospitalizations and 53 deaths, the latter representing the highest death toll recorded over the last decade.
Health department figures show that flu-related cases accounted for 1.7% of emergency department visits in the county last week. Although the release classifies this percentage as low, it exceeds the state health department's threshold of 1.4%, which indicates elevated community transmission.
Elevated risk for severe influenza complications is associated with young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant persons, and residents of long-term care facilities.
Signs of infection include elevated temperature, coughing, throat pain, nasal congestion, muscle pain, headache, exhaustion, and sporadic nausea or diarrhea. Individuals remain contagious beginning one day prior to symptom onset and throughout the duration of the illness.
To curb transmission, officials advise those infected to stay home, use face coverings in public indoor settings, cover respiratory emissions, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.