Flu Deaths Up To 12 In Pierce County

PUYALLUP, WA - Twelve people have died from influenza in Pierce County, almost the same number of people who died over the entire flu season last year.

Pierce County health officials are imploring residents to get the flu vaccine. Although most of the deaths in Pierce County have been among people between age 60 to 90, one woman who died was in her 40s.

“This flu season is shaping up to be especially bad for elderly people,” Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department nurse epidemiologist Matthew Rollosson said. “Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. Frequent hand washing and avoiding others who are sick also helps."

Here's an idea of how much worse this flu season is so far compared to other years: Over the course of the entire flu season last year, 15 people died; 25 people died during the 2014-15 season - but during that season, the flu vaccine was a poor match for the most common strain of influenza in circulation.

Worse, more than half of the flu deaths have occurred within the last few days: The first five flu deaths in the county were recorded between Dec. 19 and Jan. 7. Hospital admissions for flu have reach 265 county-wide, up from three in October.

Flu season generally ends by April. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, flu is widespread up and down the West Coast right now. Flu hospitalizations are especially high for people age 65 and older, according to the CDC.

Although flu season is in full swing, it's not too late to get a flu shot. The body begins developing immunity immediately after receiving it, and immunity reaches full strength after about two weeks. Learn more about flu and potential warning signs on the county's flu page.

Image via Shutterstock