Washington state sees most dangerous flu season in 5 years, Division of Well being says

The 2022-23 flu season was one of many deadliest in 5 years, in keeping with the Washington State Division of Well being (DOH).

A complete of 262 Washingtonians have been reported to have died from the flu, together with 257 adults and 5 kids, in keeping with the DOH.

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Flu exercise rose in Washington on the finish of October and peaked by late November. Whereas on the finish of April, there was not practically as a lot flu exercise, in keeping with the DOH.

“Whereas respiratory sickness precautions akin to masking and social distancing helped preserve the variety of flu circumstances low throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s particularly necessary now that almost all of us are round different individuals once more to get a flu vaccine yearly,” mentioned Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Well being.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) reported a nationwide estimate that totals as many as 640,000 flu hospitalizations and 57,000 flu deaths between Oct. 1 – April 29, 2023.

Flu vaccination charges have decreased nationally in sure teams, whereas vaccination charges for youngsters dropped greater than 6%. The charges for pregnant individuals decreased by roughly 15% when in comparison with pre-pandemic charges, in keeping with the DOH.

“The flu vaccine is your finest safety in opposition to this critical illness. Even if you happen to get the flu, if you happen to’ve been vaccinated, usually your sickness is milder, and also you aren’t as more likely to must go to the hospital,” continued Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Well being.

The DOH suggests that you just apply wholesome habits like regularly washing arms, staying residence when sick, and sporting masks in public areas. All of those might support in stopping the unfold of the flu. The DOH mentioned the next precautions will shield the next teams who’re most severely affected by the flu:

• Individuals over age 65.
• People who find themselves immunocompromised.
• Kids underneath age 5.
• Pregnant individuals.
• Individuals with continual well being situations.

Extra data will be discovered on the Washington State Division of Well being’s Flu Overview page.

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