FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
CONTACT: shd.pio@co.snohomish.wa.us
Snohomish County Reports 15 Flu Deaths, Marking the Highest Toll Across Three Seasons
Emergency department visits and flu related hospitalizations remain elevated compared to the past two seasons.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish County Health Department is reporting 15 influenza-related deaths this respiratory virus season, significant activity since the first deaths were reported in early January. This is higher than the past two seasons, with ten reported flu-related deaths last year and 12 flu-related deaths in the 2022-2023 season. This year’s high flu activity is concerning, especially considering the disproportionate impact on people who are older or who have underlying health conditions. Of residents who have passed away in Snohomish County this year, thirteen of the people were age 50 or older, one was between 35 and 49, and one was between ages 20 and 34. Health Department Officials recommend vaccination, staying home when sick, and masking when symptomatic or around vulnerable people, to help slow the spread of disease.
For the most recent week, nearly seven percent of emergency department visits have been for symptoms related to flu. This is down slightly from the previous two weeks, which were around eight percent, yet significantly elevated from the same week last year when influenza-related illness accounted for only 1 percent of emergency department visits. Current emergency department visits are 60 percent higher than last year’s flu peak in late December. As of the week ending February 15, 44 people in Snohomish County are hospitalized for flu-related illness compared to 13 people at last year’s peak and 24 people at the highest point of the 2022-23 respiratory virus season.
"After the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw alarmingly high levels of flu activity in 2022-2023. Now, we are witnessing similar, if not greater, levels of viral transmission. This serves as a clear reminder that everyone in our community should take proactive steps to prevent the spread of illness,” says Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for the Snohomish County Health Department. “One of the most effective measures is vaccination. A flu shot remains crucial in reducing the risk of severe illness this season. Across the country, we are seeing a concerning rise in vaccine-preventable diseases, and all viruses pose risks. While we hope for mild symptoms, we must recognize that some cases can be severe – such as pneumonia from the flu, encephalitis from measles, or life-threatening pauses in breathing or pneumonia from pertussis (whooping cough). Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential, offering protection not just to individuals but to the community as a whole.”
Everyone age six months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine, available throughout Snohomish County. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness from the injection, fever, or muscle aches. In most cases, any side effects felt are significantly less than symptoms of a flu infection, which can result in coughing, sore throat, fever, fatigue, chills, and nausea, among other symptoms. If someone has the flu, they should not return to work or school, until symptoms are improving and it has been more than 24 hours since the person had a fever, without the use of fever reducing medications.
Along with vaccination, masking continues to be a highly effective measure for preventing the spread of respiratory illness. It is important for individuals showing symptoms to wear a mask, as well as for healthy individuals who want to protect themselves from getting sick. Even mild respiratory symptoms can spread the flu and other respiratory illnesses, so the Health Department urges everyone with symptoms to mask up, even if they only have a slight cough, sore throat, or occasional sneeze. Masking is particularly crucial in healthcare settings, crowded indoor spaces, and around individuals who are more vulnerable to severe illness. Staying home when sick, and washing hands often, are also important steps to stay healthy.
