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Influenza activity very high in Washington, Department of Health says

Vaccine and syringe injection for prevention, immunization and treatment of coronavirus infection (COVID-19, nCoV 2019)
Vaccine recommendation change FILE PHOTO: The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer on the immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. (erika8213 - stock.adobe.com)

The Washington State Department of Health reports that cases of influenza have increased significantly since the start of February.

Between October 2025 and February 2026, 106 influenza-associated deaths were reported in Washington.

Officials say the majority of deaths were either elderly or had underlying conditions, with two of them being children.

Symptoms of influenza include a fever of above 100 degrees F/38.7 C accompanied by a cough/sore throat.

Health officials urge ways to stop the spread of flu is by getting a flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering your cough, and staying home if you’re sick.

For more information, visit doh.wa.gov.

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