Flu Deaths in Washington State Continues To Rise

Health officials from Washington reports that a total of 76 people have died from flu this season, a total of 46 flu deaths are reported the previous week. The latest weekly update from the Department of Health reports that except for the four people, all of those who died were 50 and older.
Earlier this week, a child younger than 10 was reported to have died from flu in Pierce County. It was reported that Pierce County has the highest reported flu-related deaths with a number totally 20. This is followed by Snohomish County with a total of 18 flu deaths and King County with 11 reported deaths.
Doctors say that it is important for people to take the flu seriously. The peak of the flu season in Washington is set to be January 15, according to Columbia University flu predictor website. Shots of flu vaccine are recommended for pregnant women, teens, adults and children starting at six months of age. According to Dr. Shanna Levine from Mount Sinai Hospital, by getting a flu vaccine you are not only being good to yourself but also to your neighbors and loved ones.
Flu can be dangerous to children under two, senior citizens and people with heart disease or diabetes. Doctors advise that people should stay home when they are sick to prevent flu from spreading. According to healthcare professionals, hand washing is especially important to help prevent the spread of the disease as reported by Kiro7.
The Washington Department of Health reported a total of 76 lab-confirmed influenza deaths as of January 14. The Health Department also reported that the number of outpatient visits for flu-like illness has doubled the normal amount. They report that flu is widespread in the state. Doctors say that the best way of avoiding getting sick is to get a flu shot this season as reported by Q13 Fox.