The Washington State Department of Health is continuing to monitor the increasing flu activity in the state.
According to an influenza update, 11 people have died from the flu during the 2019-2020 season with the most common type being Influenza B including two children and nine adults. From Dec. 15-21, about 7% “of visits among Influenza-like illness Network participants were for influenza-like illness (ILI), above the baseline of 1.5 percent,” the health department said.
Both influenza A and B were reported during this time frame. So far during this season, the CDC has received nearly 450 positive tests for influenza B this season in the state.
The CDC says ILI is high in both Washington state and Oregon. The CDC says at least 4.6 million flu illnesses have been reported across the U.S. this season with 39,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from the flu.
During this season, there has been one death in Franklin County and another in Yakima County.
To stop the spread of the flu, wash your hands often, cover your cough and stay home when you’re sick.
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