Flu Activity Remains Elevated In Pierce County: Health Dept.

TACOMA, WA - Complications from flu-like illnesses has killed two people and hospitalized more than 60 others in Pierce County over the past seven days, according to the latest influenza update from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Since the 2018-2019 influenza season began Sept. 22, more than 400 people have been hospitalized and 19 people have died from influenza-like illnesses (ILI) throughout the region. Statewide, the Washington Department of Health reports 70 people have died, with 11 of those deaths occurring since March 5.

Pierce County's seniors still appear to be the most susceptible to flu-like illnesses, with the median age of hospitalized patients at 62 years. The age range for all Pierce County patients remains between 2 months and 97 years.

Obesity also continues to be the prevailing common factor among hospitalized patients in Pierce County, the update showed.

Of those locally hospitalized, 23 percent have been logged as overweight and 48 percent have been logged as obese. Of that 48 percent, 38 percent were considered morbidly obese.

Health officials also noted 25 percent of hospitalized patients (about 100 patients in Pierce County) currently identify as cigarette smokers, and that the mean age of hospitalized patients who smoke (56 years old) is about 10 years younger than the mean ages for patients who are either former smokers or who've never smoked at all.

To see the complete influenza update, visit tpchd.org.

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