SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Flu season typically peaks between January and March, but 2017 wrapped up with five influenza-related deaths being reported in Snohomish County. A man in his late-80s from Bothell that passed away in early December was the first lab-confirmed death for the 2017-2018 flu season. There were four additional deaths December 21-28:
• A woman in her early-70s from Everett
• A woman in her early-90s from unincorporated Snohomish County
• A woman in her late-80s from unincorporated Snohomish County
• A man in his late-40s from Edmonds

All five individuals had underlying health conditions. Hospitals were initially required to report influenza hospitalizations with the H1N1 pandemic in 2009-2010. While no longer considered a notifiable condition, local collaboration with Snohomish County hospitals has allowed the Health District to continue collecting this information on a weekly basis during flu season. Only those patients admitted overnight due to influenza complications are counted in these reports.

“We are seeing an increase in hospitalizations and flu cases reported by clinics, but it’s not too late to get your flu shots,” said Dr. Mark Beatty, health officer for the Snohomish Health District. “It’s also a good reminder for people to wash hands frequently, cover coughs, and most importantly—stay home if you’re sick.”