Pierce County’s 1st flu death of season reported. Here’s how state compares in vaccines
Pierce County has recorded its first flu death of the season.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported that a Pierce County woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions died from the flu on Dec. 2.
Last year, Pierce County saw 35 reported flu deaths, determined by either a positive flu test before death or as listed on the person’s death certificate as a cause of death.
The health department noted that influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 each have similar symptoms: cough, fever, sore throat and body aches, making them hard to distinguish through self-diagnosis and without testing.
“Only a healthcare provider can tell you if you have flu or another illness. If you’re sick, get tested,” TPCHD said in a release Dec. 14.
Those at higher risk include people ages 65 and older, pregnant or with compromised immune systems or living with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes. Children younger than 5 also are at higher risk to become seriously ill from flu or RSV.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone ages 6 months or older, while the RSV vaccine is available for those 60 years or older or who are pregnant.
Meanwhile, flu vaccine uptake for the 2023-2024 season remains low in the United States., though higher in Washington state.
According to CDC estimates as of late November, “National coverage for all adults, including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, is 38.7%, and coverage among states and DC ranges from 27.7% to 49.4%”
In Washington state, 45.8 percent were estimated vaccinated as of Nov. 25, compared with 42.4 percent for California, 39.4 percent in Oregon and 28.4 percent in Idaho.
Health officials recommend frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water, particularly after using any tissue for coughs/sneezes.
“COVID-19, flu, and RSV spread remains low in Pierce County, but we have seen a recent uptick in flu and RSV activity,” TPCHD stated on Dec. 14. “Emergency room visits for both diseases are above thresholds local hospitals set for masking in their facilities.”
MultiCare Health System recently returned to requiring masks in its facilities in patient-care areas, given the rise of RSV in the Puget Sound region.
“Most years, flu kills hundreds of people in Washington and sends thousands more to the hospital. Last year saw a sharp increase in RSV among children and older adults,” the health department noted. Additionally, “COVID-19 is still with us. We continue to see cases, hospitalizations, and deaths locally and around the state.”
This story was originally published December 14, 2023 at 12:53 PM.
