Two flu-related deaths reported in Thurston County amid rise in cases
Flu has killed two Thurston County residents amid a rise in viral respiratory illnesses.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services learned of the deaths on Friday and announced them in a Wednesday, Dec. 7, news release.
There have been 13 influenza-related deaths, including two children, in Washington state during the 2022-2023 season, according to the state Department of Health. As of Nov. 20-26, the state indicated influenza-like illness activity was “very high.”
Thurston County Health Officer Dimyana Abdelmalek acknowledged the increased levels of illness in the news release. She encouraged residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including the bivalent booster when eligible, and the annual influenza vaccine.
“The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older and is available at locations throughout the county,” Abdelmalek said. “Getting vaccinated will not only protect you from severe disease but helps prevent the spread of the influenza virus in our community.”
People who experience flu-like symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others, except when seeking medical care, according to the news release.
For most people, the flu causes mild illness. However, certain people may be at high risk of serious complications. Such people include young children, people 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions.
The county recommends people in high-risk groups contact their health care provider if they develop flu symptoms.
In addition to getting shots, the county listed several common ways people can lower their risk of illness and inhibit the spread of viruses such as influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with sudsy soap in warm water. You can use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Stay home when sick, even if symptoms are mild.
- Isolate sick household members in separate rooms.
- Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places.
- Limit the number of close contacts for young infants and those people with certain chronic conditions.
- Frequently clean surfaces that are often touched with a cleaner that can kill common viruses.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be found by visiting vaccines.gov.
More information about influenza can be found by visiting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington State Department of Health websites.
This story was originally published December 7, 2022 at 11:58 AM.
