First Flu Death Of The Season Reported In Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Pierce County recorded its first flu-related death of the season in November, health officials confirmed Wednesday. According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, a man in his 80s with chronic health concerns died from flu-related complications. Health officials could not confirm the man's vaccination status.

According to TPCHD, flu activity is on the rise locally and emergency rooms and urgent care facilities are seeing more visitors. Every year, Pierce County sees several deaths linked to the flu, and the illness claimed 42 lives in the county last season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone aged 6 months or older get a flu shot unless they have an allergy or Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. The vaccine can take up to two weeks to become fully effective.

Health officials said people at higher risk for flu complications, like pregnant women, infants, or seniors, should see a physician upon early signs of the illness. TPCHD advises people call 911 or visit an ER if they have trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, blue or gray skin color, long-lasting dehydration, persistent vomiting, dizziness, or trouble speaking.

You can learn more about the flu and find vaccination locations on the health department's website.