by Hannah Saunders
Notice you or your friends getting a drippier nose recently, or a slight cough? This year’s flu rates have spiked earlier than usual, as announced by Public Health – Seattle & King County, and COVID is still present.
The Department published a graphic on Oct. 9 showing how flu rates in emergency department visits are spiking this month with a sharp rise in September.
“In 2025, we didn’t get here until mid-December,” according to the graphic.
During a federal regime that has targeted vaccines and state healthcare systems, Public Health – Seattle & King County is encouraging residents to get vaccinated, which can help most people avoid serious illness. Although vaccinated people can still contract the flu, the vaccine cuts back on the risk of hospitalization, missed school and work days and opportunities, symptom severity, and the likelihood of spreading the virus.
To help prevent the spread of the flu, which everyone is at greater risk of as cold weather approaches and more people are indoors gathering for the holidays, the Department encourages the use of face masks, frequent hand washing, avoiding others and staying home while ill, and maintaining thorough indoor airflow.
“If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is the time,” Public Health – Seattle and King County stated.
Flu shots are recommended for the majority of people ages 6 months and older, as well as pregnant people. Most insurance plans cover flu shots, but uninsured people generally have to cough up $30-50.
Visit Kingcounty.gov/findaclinic.
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