Flu Activity Remains Minimal In Washington, Across US

SEATTLE — Flu activity remains minimal in Washington and across most of the nation, according to federal data and testing performed by local labs.

In Seattle, the University of Washington Virology Lab randomly tests specimens for influenza at the city's COVID-19 testing sites. On Tuesday, UW researchers said they had found no new cases for the entire month. Among more than 40,000 samples screened since November, UW Virology said patients at testing sites returned positive for the flu just four times.

The latest data out of Seattle supports statewide data from the Department of Health, which has confirmed zero flu-related deaths this season and virtually no influenza infections. At this point in the flu season last year, more than five dozen deaths were linked to influenza in Washington. Additionally, the state's long-term care facilities have reported no flu outbreaks, according to DOH data.

In late January, Pierce County health officials noted flu-related hospitalizations were lower than the last several years, and just 0.5 percent of emergency room visits were for an "influenza-like illness."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national influenza map shows moderate activity in just two jurisdictions across the nation, with the vast majority reporting minimal activity. Similar declines have been recorded among other infections, like rhinovirus.

Typically, February coincides with a peak in flu activity, and public health officials last year were apprehensive of the potential effects of a flu season adding on to the public health crisis brought forth by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, CDC officials believe coronavirus-related health precautions, including reduced travel, physical distancing and face coverings likely played a role in severely limiting influenza infections. Health officials caution that flu activity could increase in the coming months, and sometimes a second strain can take hold in the spring. Residents are still encouraged to get their flu shots.

Learn more about influenza in Washington via the Department of Health, and check out national surveillance data on the CDC website.