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Last year served as a warning against the severity of the flu.
A record 512 people were hospitalized in Snohomish County during the 2017-18 influenza season.
And 40 people died from flu complications, the second-highest number of influenza-related deaths since the start of more complete reporting of influenza cases in 2009.
The median age of influenza victims during the 2017-2018 influenza season was 84 years old. But flu can kill people of all ages.
Nationally, 180 influenza-related pediatric deaths, including a 10-year-old in Washington County, were recorded, the highest number since the pandemic influenza in 2009, with the deaths of 358 children, according to reports. federal and national health authorities.
State health officials ranked the flu season of last year among the most severe ever recorded. Yet only 61% of Washington's children and adolescents have been vaccinated.
"Get vaccinated now," said Heather Thomas, spokesperson for the Snohomish Health District. It takes several weeks for the vaccination to be fully effective.
The flu season officially began this week, as local, regional and federal health authorities began monitoring the 2018-19 flu season.
"Last year, the number of deaths in Snohomish County and across the country was dreadful," said Dr. Yuan-Po Tu, who follows the Everett Clinic flu problems.
It has also ranked as one of the longest flu seasons in recent years, lasting about 18 weeks. The flu season usually lasts about 12 weeks, he said.
"The start of the vaccine season is expected to last two to three weeks before the flu season, which can start on Thanksgiving and end in the spring," said Tu.
There are many reserves of flu immunizations, both conventional and influenza fog, an alternative to vaccines, in medical clinics and local pharmacies.
Vaccination is recommended for all persons 6 months of age and older. Influenza Fog, an anti-influenza immunization given by nasal injection, is available for people aged 2 to 49 years.
Elderly vaccinations for adults 65 years and older are available. They provide either more influenza vaccines or an immunostimulant.
"We strongly believe that seniors should be vaccinated against the flu," said Tu.
According to the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, last year's influenza vaccine was about 40% effective.
But even if it does not completely prevent the disease, health officials believe that immunization shortens the number of sick days with influenza.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or [email protected]
In numbers
Flu-related deaths in Snohomish County
2009-10 7
2010-11: 1
2011-12: 2
2012-13: 8
2013-14: 7
2014-15: 16
2015-16: 9
2016-17: 45
2017-18: 40
Hospitalizations related to influenza
2009-2010: 105
2010-2011: 16
2011-2012: 39
2012-2013: 103
2013-2014: 82
2014-2015: 182
2015-2016: 153
2016-2017: 460
2017-2018: 512
Source: Snohomish Health District
Who should get the flu shot
All persons 6 months of age and older, including healthy adolescents and young adults, should be vaccinated against influenza. The people most at risk for influenza complications are young children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and people over 65 years old.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
How can I get vaccinated?
Vaccination is offered free of charge in Washington to children under 18 years of age.
Influenza vaccination with nasal fog is available for people aged 2 to 49 years.
An influenza vaccine is available for others.
For people 65 years and older, a special flu shot is recommended to increase protection against the virus.
Symptoms of the flu
• Fever or feeling of fever / chills, although not everyone gets the flu
• Cough
• irritated throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body pains
• Headache
• tired
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than in adults
Complications of the flu
Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
More information
The sanitary district of Snohomish: www.snohd.org/flu
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
Andy Bronson / the herald
Rocky Oliphant gets a flu shot at the Everett Clinic on October 2nd.
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