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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.
Fourteen 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.
