Thurston County has had its first influenza-related death of the 2026-2027 influenza season, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) announced Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Details regarding the deceased individual were not released.
Thurston County’s respiratory virus activity level was “below transmission alert” as of Oct. 7. The alert level is calculated based on the percentage of emergency department visits that are diagnosed with an acute respiratory illness, such as influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and more.
Residents can view ongoing respiratory illness trends in Thurston County at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/respiratory-illnesses.
Influenza-like illness activity in Washington state as a whole is currently minimal, according to the state Department of Health.
This week, only 1.1% of outpatient visits were for patients with influenza-like symptoms, defined as a fever accompanied by a cough or a sore throat. The baseline is 2.1%, according to the state Department of Health.
The state Department of Health reported 253 lab-confirmed influenza deaths for last year’s flu season.
Influenza A activity is low in the state but is rising earlier than in recent years, which PHSS says makes it important that everyone gets their updated influenza vaccination as soon as possible.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.
People 65 years and older benefit from higher-dose flu vaccines, but should not delay
vaccination if the standard dose is immediately available.
Individuals who get sick with flu symptoms should avoid contact with others, except to get
medical care.
While most people with flu have mild illness and do not need antiviral
medications, those at increased risk, including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant
people, and people with certain medical conditions, should seek care.
In addition to getting the updated flu vaccine, people can lower their risk of illness and the spread of all respiratory viruses by doing the following:
