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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
First Flu Death of the Fall Reported in Snohomish County
The Snohomish County Health Department announced the county’s first flu death of the fall and an early start to the 2026–27 flu season. According to a press release on Friday, an Edmonds man in his 70s who had underlying health conditions and tested positive for Influenza A died on October 3.
Early Rise in Flu Hospitalizations
Since August 30, the county has recorded 63 hospitalizations related to the flu. According to Hollianne Bruce, the county’s lead epidemiologist, these numbers are comparable to those usually seen in early December. Thirty-one hospitalizations occurred during the past week alone, indicating an early and notable increase in flu-related illness.
Flu Season Arrives Early
For the past three years, Snohomish County’s earliest reported flu death happened in November. Typically, the flu season lasts from October through April and peaks during the winter months. However, influenza viruses can circulate year-round. Dr. James Lewis, health officer for the Snohomish County Health Department, stated, “Flu season has arrived early this year in Snohomish County and the Seattle area.” He encouraged residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves from serious illness or death.
Recommendations For Flu Prevention
The health department recommends the flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination reduces the severity of flu symptoms, sick days, and hospitalizations. Officials recommend getting vaccinated at least one to two weeks before attending large gatherings. Vaccines are available at many local pharmacies and clinics, and in Washington State, flu vaccines are free for children under age 19. Most adult insurance plans cover the cost as well.
Trends in Flu Deaths and Hospitalizations
During the 2025–26 flu season, Snohomish County recorded 24 flu-related deaths and 606 hospitalizations. This marked a decrease from the previous season, which saw 859 hospitalizations and 53 flu deaths—the highest number of flu-related deaths in the past decade.
Flu Symptoms, Transmission, and Precautions
Last week, 1.7% of all emergency department visits in the county were related to the flu. While this is considered a low percentage, it exceeds the state health department's threshold for elevated community transmission. Groups at higher risk for severe disease include young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant individuals, and those in long-term care facilities.
Common flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. A person with the flu becomes contagious a day before symptoms appear and remains so throughout the illness. Health officials recommend that those who are sick should stay home, wear masks in indoor public spaces, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent further transmission.
Source: heraldnet.com.
