9-29-2026 7:19pm

Flu Season Arrives Early in Washington State: What Residents Should Know

Chris Clasen Editor

Washington residents are being encouraged to prepare for flu season as influenza activity begins earlier than usual. With fall underway and cooler weather bringing people indoors, health officials are reminding the public that vaccination, good hygiene, and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Influenza can cause anything from mild illness to serious complications, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with certain chronic health conditions. Early preparation can help protect individuals, families, and the broader community as flu activity increases.

Flu-related emergency room visits rise sharply

The early increase is already showing up in local health data. According to Public Health — Seattle & King County, 233 people visited emergency rooms with confirmed influenza during the week ending September 19, compared with 31 during the same week last year. That represents a substantial increase in reported flu-related emergency visits.

According to KUOW, the trend is not limited to the Seattle area. Kitsap Public Health reported increasing influenza and COVID-19 activity during the same week, prompting the agency to begin its seasonal respiratory illness reporting earlier than usual.

9/19/2026)Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Washington, told KUOW that influenza typically peaks in Washington in December or January, making the current increase unusually early.

Although these figures indicate an early rise in flu activity, they do not establish how severe the entire 2026–2027 flu season will be.

Health officials encourage vaccination

With influenza circulating earlier than expected, health experts are encouraging residents to consider getting their seasonal flu vaccine now rather than waiting until later in the fall.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, with particular attention to people at increased risk of complications. These include:

Adults age 65 and older.
Children, particularly those younger than five.
Pregnant people.
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
Health care workers and caregivers who have close contact with vulnerable individuals. Washington State Department of Health

The department says the 2026–2027 flu shots protect against three influenza strains. Vaccination does not guarantee that someone will avoid infection, but it can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

Washington State Department of Health+1

Residents can contact their health care provider or local pharmacy to ask about vaccine availability. Information about vaccination locations is also available through VaccineFinder .

Steps to reduce the spread of flu

Vaccination reduces risk, but everyday precautions also matter as respiratory illnesses circulate.

Health officials recommend washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, improving indoor ventilation when possible, and staying home when sick. Wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings may also help reduce exposure, particularly for people at higher risk of serious illness.

Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Anyone who develops symptoms and is at increased risk of complications should contact a health care provider promptly. Antiviral medications can help treat influenza, and treatment is generally most effective when started early.

People experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or other signs of a medical emergency should seek urgent medical attention.

Prepare now for the months ahead

Washington's early flu activity reminds us that seasonal respiratory illnesses do not always follow the expected calendar. With flu and COVID-19 both circulating, residents can take practical steps now to protect themselves and those around them.

For current information on influenza activity, vaccination, and prevention, visit the Washington State Department of Health's influenza information page .

This article is based on public health reporting and guidance available as of September 29, 2026.