Flu Deaths Hit Double-Digits In King County

SHORELINE, WA - Influenza deaths in King County hit double-digits as of March 2, although state flu testing data show that lab-confirmed cases might be declining in Washington.

According to King County's latest flu surveillance report, 10 people died this flu season as of March 2. Flu deaths were much higher at this point over the last two flu seasons: 29 in 2017-18 and 73 in 2016-17.

The state Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report showed that positive flu tests hit a high of around 500 in the first week of February. There were about 400 positive flu tests for the week ending Feb. 23, the latest data available. The state showed 59 flu-related deaths as of Feb. 23. The state DOH considers flu activity in Washington "elevated" right now.

All flu deaths in King County have been in people above age 45, and five of the 10 deaths were people who had not gotten a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are still available and worth getting - the season can last well into spring.

You can read the county's weekly flu data here.