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Washington state health officials confirmed the state's first death with the 2018-2019 season virus, a man in his forties who had "chronic health problems that have increased its risk of complications.
The Pierce County man, who was not identified by name, died Monday in a hospital, according to a statement from the County of Tacoma-Pierce Health Department. It was not clear if the man had received the flu shot. The Seattle Times reported that health care facilities throughout the state had reported low influenza activity during the first half of October.
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"Yes, it's early, but you do not want people to fall asleep by a false sense of security," said Steve Metcalf, spokesman for the county's health department, at The Times. "We want people to know that the flu season is something serious."
Other states have already reported flu-related deaths this season. Health professionals from across the country have urged all people aged six months and older to get vaccinated.
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The flu usually occurs suddenly and can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea. According to the CDC, most people will recover in a few days to two weeks, but others will develop complications that could put their lives at risk. People at high risk of complications include patients aged 65 and over, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women and children under 5 years of age.
The flu killed about 80,000 Americans last season, making it the worst of decades. Influenza activity generally increases from late October to winter months.
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