FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025
CONTACT: shd.pio@co.snohomish.wa.us
Snohomish County Reports First Flu Deaths of the 2024-2025 Season
Residents are advised to stay up to date on vaccinations and to take precautions to protect individuals who are at higher risk.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Local Public Health officials have confirmed two local deaths from influenza, marking the first fatalities during the 2024-2025 flu season. While deaths from flu are not unexpected, this serves as a stark reminder that respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV can result in severe illness, especially for young children, older adults, and others who are at higher risk.
During last year’s Respiratory Virus Season, Snohomish County reported seven deaths. Currently, Influenza-related hospitalizations are twice as high as they were during the same period in 2024 and the highest rate of hospitalization is among people 65 and older. Local Emergency Departments are also seeing a higher number of visits due to flu, nearly 5 times higher than the threshold that would alert officials to increased transmission; twice as high as what was reported during the same week in 2024.
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 flu 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 this winter. To find specific locations for a flu vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov or call the Help Me Grow Washington hotline at 1-800-322-2588 (language assistance available). 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.
During the winter season, flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pertussis (whooping cough), are all circulating at higher levels than normal. Vaccination is the easiest way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Adults 65 and older, and parents of young children, should talk to their providers about eligibility for the RSV vaccine. As a part of routine vaccinations, children and adolescents should receive a DTaP or Tdap vaccine, dependent on age, to help slow the spread of whooping cough. In addition to vaccination, residents are all encouraged to help stop the spread of disease by staying home when sick and washing hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Masking can help provide additional protection, especially when in indoor crowded areas.