From Seattletimes · · 1m 10s
Early flu season hits WA as COVID cases rise
WA sees early flu surge with 400+ ER visits and rising COVID cases.
In brief
WA sees early flu surge with 400+ ER visits and rising COVID cases. King County emergency departments saw 400+ flu patients in October, up from 50 normally, as flu season starts early with rising COVID cases. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Early flu season starts
King County emergency departments saw 400+ flu patients in October, up from 50 normally.
“It’s definitely here”
Flu cases spike in WA
Flu emergency visits and positive tests rose 330% at Providence Swedish compared to last year.
Children’s hospital sees high flu rates
6% of Seattle Children’s ER patients had flu as of early October, up from 0% last year.
Flu deaths reported
Nine King County residents died from flu complications since late September.
Flu strain changes
20% of Children’s flu tests were positive for influenza A, up from less than 2% in August.
Flu vaccine recommendations
Doctors urge getting flu shots now as vaccines take two weeks to kick in.
COVID cases rise
King County has 12 ongoing COVID outbreaks at long-term care facilities.
Flu season concerns
Experts warn flu season could become more severe for older adults.
Here's the gist
King County emergency departments saw 400+ flu patients in October, up from 50 normally, as flu season starts early with rising COVID cases.
