The Cascade Pacific region (including Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties) is grappling with one of its worst flu seasons in recent history, as emergency department visits for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to exceed alert thresholds.
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| Emergency department visits for influenza for week of 2/2-2/8/25 was 10.4% |
Public health officials confirm the surge in respiratory illnesses, with cases of flu and RSV remaining above warning levels for multiple weeks1. Statewide, influenza and RSV have contributed to 43 flu-related deaths and 11 RSV-related deaths this season. While COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined, the virus remains a concern, with 244 COVID-related deaths reported statewide.
This flu outbreak is unprecedented this year as well as a significant rise in pneumonia cases. There was also a tragic infant death from pertussis (whooping cough) in Washington this year, along with another young child who suffered severe complications from the illness. Moreover, there has been a rise in bacterial illnesses, including Mycoplasma pneumonia, which are contributing to the overall burden on hospitals.
I cannot stress enough the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of illness:
✔️ Stay home when sick. Only return to work or school after being fever-free for 24 hours without medication and showing symptom improvement.
✔️ Wear a mask in crowded public spaces, especially if experiencing any respiratory (even mild) symptoms.
✔️ Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
✔️ Protect vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
And if you have a viral respiratory illness, read my previous blog post about management of URI symptoms: https://www.essentialdpc.com/2024/10/tis-season-upper-respiratory-illnesses.html
Stay healthy everyone!
1. https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/diseases-and-chronic-conditions/communicable-disease-surveillance-data/respiratory-illness-data-dashboard
DISCLAIMER: This general information is for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.
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