Photo of flu vaccine.
Flu season has settled in across Washington, the state Department of Health is warning, and Lewis County is no exception.
“We have seen an increase locally here at our hospitals,” said JP Anderson, deputy director of Lewis County Public Health and Social Services. “We've been above our threshold for what we would consider elevated since late December, and we continue to be up there.”
Last week, 78 cases tested positive for influenza at Providence Centralia Hospital, a number that was close to 120 the week before. About 20 percent of tests for the flu have been confirmed to be positive, Anderson said.
The Washington state Department of Health is reporting that flu “cases, hospitalizations and deaths have increased sharply over the past several weeks,” according to a Friday press release. In Western Washington especially, medical facilities are receiving an increased number of flu patients.
Across Washington, there have been 93 flu-related deaths this year, though none in Lewis County. The majority of those deaths were adults older than 65.
Though it’s already spring, Anderson said it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine.
“It’s important for people to know that getting a vaccine is something you can still do and can still protect you against flu,” he said.
He also recommended other precautions for combatting the illness, including washing hands, covering a cough and staying home when sick.
In its release, the Department of Health urged people to visit cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm to determine if their flu symptoms require a visit to a health care provider. The flu vaccine is also advised, especially for those at risk for severe complications.
Providers and immunization clinics, along with more information, can be found at knockoutflu.org.
