GCHD: flu season has arrived in Grant County
Influenza activity in Grant County showed a sharp increase during the last two weeks in December, including a noticeable rise in emergency room visits, the Grant County Health District is reporting.
MOSES LAKE – Influenza activity in Grant County showed a sharp increase during the last two weeks in December, including a noticeable rise in emergency room visits, the Grant County Health District is reporting.
Flu activity and other respiratory illnesses are also increasing at state and national levels, say health authorities.
Statewide, there have been 22 flu-related deaths as of Dec. 27, but none reported in Grant County. The percentage of emergency department visits across Washington due to acute respiratory illness was 16% at the end of the month, which is considered “elevated” and rising, according to the Washington Department of Health.
Winter months typically see increases in such contagious illnesses – which spread through respiratory droplets – because people spend more time indoors and gather in groups during the holiday season. Last respiratory illness season was considered a high-severity flu season and had the highest hospitalization rate since 2010-11, the local health district advised in a recent press release.
In particular, a newer type of the flu virus – called the K variant or clade K – is spreading this season. Flu viruses normally change over time, and some people may be infected more easily or become sicker than usual because the variant is harder for the body’s immune system to detect.
Typical flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, head and body aches, and fatigue.
“This respiratory illness season, take extra steps to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Practice good hand hygiene, stay home when you are sick, and talk to your doctor about COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines,” the GCHD statement said.
The district also advised local healthcare facilities to implement “enhanced measures” to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Those could include patient and staff screenings and use of face masks, based on a facility’s situation and policies.
More information on hygiene practices, vaccines, symptoms, and treatment guidance is available on the health district website.
