Community Health & Wellness
Flu cases spiked in Pierce County in late December
Cases of flu surged in the region last month and the respiratory disease continues to circulate at high levels.
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In Pierce County, flu cases made up 5.6% of emergency department visits in late December, before dropping about a point last week, according to data from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. At this time last year, flu cases in the ER peaked at 2.6%.
“This is the time of the year when respiratory illnesses typically ramp up in Pierce County,” Kenny Via, a spokesperson for TPCHD, wrote in an email. “The spread of both flu and RSV are currently above the threshold hospitals set for masking in their facilities.”
Similar trends are happening across the state, where “Influenza-like” activity is “very high,” according to the Washington state Department of Health’s weekly influenza update.
In Kitsap County, the flu started rising in early December, according to data from the Kitsap Public Health District, before reaching a 24-month high near the end of the month.
At the apex, there were 63 cases of flu diagnosed in Kitsap emergency rooms the week of Dec. 22, comprising about 4.2% of all visits. That is about double the diagnosis rate from a year ago. Flu cases appear to be declining, but still make up over 3% of all ED visits in the county.
Peninsula School District health services coordinator Miriam Atchison said the district has not seen an increase in student absenteeism due to the flu, but students have reported more fevers and coughs this month.
Flu and RSV cases high
The flu spreads year-round but cases typically peaks between December and February. Most infections result in mild symptoms, but the disease can cause serious illness and is potentially fatal. Older adults, infants and people with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems are at the most risk of serious complications.
Washington reports 25 flu-associated deaths, as of Jan. 4, during the current flu season. All were among adults over 30, and the vast majority (21) were those 65 or older. A Pierce County woman in her 80s was among those deaths, according to the TPCHD.
Health officials are also warning about the spread of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. RSV saw a similar, although smaller, spike over the last month. ER diagnosis in Kitsap County have declined in recent weeks, but rose slightly in Pierce County.
COVID-19 also continues to spread at low levels. Cases of whooping cough are also being reported, according to the Kitsap Public Health District.
Vaccines recommended
Public health officials continue to advise that residents get routine vaccinations to protect themselves from serious illness. Other precautions include hand washing, wearing a face covering indoors and staying home when ill.
The Washington DOH recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older, including those who are pregnant. DOH recommends RSV vaccines for older adults and those who are pregnant.
Adult vaccines are covered at no cost by most insurance plans, including Apple Health. They are free for state residents 18 or younger through the Childhood Vaccine Program. The Washington State Adult Vaccine Program is also available for those without insurance.
Conor Wilson is a Murrow News fellow, reporting for Gig Harbor Now and the Kitsap Sun, a daily newspaper based in Bremerton, through a program managed by Washington State University.