Whitman County reports first flu-related death of the season

By Rachel Sun
Hospitalman Yenifer Gutierrez, left, and Hospitalman Brashea Ojeda treat COVID patients in the ICU Aboard USNS Comfort in April of 2020. Influenza deaths surpassed COVID-19 deaths for this first time in February and continued to do so through the week ending in March 22. (Credit: U.S. Navy Medicine via Flickr)

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Whitman County reported its first flu-related death on Monday, according to Whitman County Public Health.

Washington state has seen 357 influenza-related deaths so far this flu season, according to the Washington State Department of Health. That’s compared to 134 last flu season, and more deaths than the state has seen in at least seven years.

The United States is currently experiencing its most intense flu seasons in at least 15 years, according to Whitman County Public Health.

In the week ending in March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1.3% of all deaths were attributed to influenza, while COVID-19 deaths accounted for 0.8% of all deaths the same week.

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness and death, according to the CDC.

Whitman County Public Health is urging the public to get a flu vaccine if they have not already done so this season.

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