For immediate release
Nov. 12, 2025
Snohomish County Reports First Flu Death of 2025-2026 Season
Residents are advised to stay up to date on vaccinations, take precautions
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish County Health Department has confirmed the first local death from influenza during the 2025-2026 flu season. A Snohomish woman in her 60s with underlying health conditions died Nov. 8. She tested positive for influenza A, the most common and severe type of flu that causes seasonal epidemics.
While flu deaths occur every year, this serves as a stark reminder that respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can result in severe illness, especially for young children, older adults, and others at higher risk.
“With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to get your annual flu shot,” said Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for the Snohomish County Health Department. “It’s a good idea to get vaccinated at least one to two weeks before a family gathering. This gives your body enough time to build up immunity and offer protection.”
During last year’s influenza season, Snohomish County reported 53 reported flu-related deaths, the most in more than a decade, while 859 flu-related hospitalizations were reported. Last season’s first flu death did not occur until early January. Flu activity typically rises in late fall and peaks between December and February.
Nine influenza-related hospitalizations have been reported so far this season. Based on the limited data so far, it’s too early to predict how severe this season will be.
“We are at the very beginning of the flu season, so now is a great time to get your flu shot,” Dr. Lewis said. “It is a bit concerning to have our first death so early in the season. Things will only get worse.”
People who are at higher risk for severe disease from influenza include young children, older adults, people who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions, pregnant individuals, and those residing in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older.
The vaccine has been shown to reduce the number of sick days taken from work and school, reduce the severity of symptoms, and reduce the number of flu-related hospitalizations in the community.
Snohomish County residents can visit local pharmacies and clinics to get vaccinated. In Washington state, children under age 19 can be vaccinated for free and most insurance plans, including Medicare part B, cover the cost for adults. If a person still needs a COVID-19 vaccine, both vaccines can be given during the same visit.
If you get the flu:
- Stay home if you are ill
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor public spaces when flu or other respiratory viruses are circulating at high rates
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water isn't available.
For more information, visit the Health Department’s flu web page.
Contact: Jeff Hodson shd.pio@co.snohomish.wa.us