Flu-related deaths in WA reach near 10-year high, DOH says
Flu-related deaths in WA reach near 10-year high
Flu-related deaths in Washington state have reached a near 10-year high, according to new numbers from the Washington state Department of Health (DOH).
Flu-related deaths in Washington state have reached a near 10-year high, according to new numbers from the Washington state Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH reports that 388 Washingtonians have died from the flu so far during the 2024–2025 season. The flu-related death toll reached 132 during the 2023–2024 season, marking an increase of approximately 194% from last year.
Of this year’s lab-confirmed deaths, 302 were people 65 and older, and 220 flu outbreaks have occurred in long-term care facilities. Most of the older adults who died had underlying health conditions. Three flu-related deaths this season were children.
The DOH says the current risk of contracting the flu in Washington is low, despite lower vaccination rates.
"Even though it’s late in the season, if you haven’t already gotten your flu shot this season, it’s not too late. Immunization provides important protection against severe complications, which could mean the difference between being hospitalized or having mild illness at home," said Dr. Faisal Khan, director of Public Health – Seattle & King County.
In King County, 96 people lost their lives from flu-related illnesses. While the number of deaths have slowed in recent weeks, they are still getting reports of 1-2 flu deaths per week.
"Hopefully as people see that it’s going around our community, more people will be motivated to not only get vaccinated this year, but to take that measure in October once the next fall comes around," said Matt Binder, who owns three Seattle-area pharmacies.
Flu-related deaths in WA through the years
By the numbers:
The DOH provided information on lab-confirmed, reported flu-related deaths in Washington from 2016 through 2025:
- 2024–2025 (to date): 388
- 2023–2024: 132
- 2022–2023: 272
- 2021–2022: 26
- 2020–2021: 0
- 2019–2020: 114
- 2018–2019: 241
- 2017–2018: 296
- 2016–2017: 276
Age breakdown of flu-related deaths in WA
- Ages 0–4: 2
- Ages 5–17: 1
- Ages 18–29: 4
- Ages 30–49: 24
- Ages 50–64: 55
- Ages 65+: 302
Washington State Influenza Update
DOH said the predominate strains circulating this season have been Influenza A viruses, which "mutate frequently, making it harder for immune systems to recognize and respond effectively." It causes more severe illnesses and spread more rapidly than other strains.
"For those who were kind of doing a wait and see, it’s still a good idea to get it. While it does take a couple weeks to build up protection, that’s the single best thing you can do to help prevent getting the flu," said Binder.
What you can do:
Health officials continue to emphasize that the best protection against the flu is vaccination. People are also encouraged to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and stay home when sick.
The Source: Information for this story comes from the Washington State Influenza Update for Week 14 (March 30–April 5, 2025), provided by the Department of Health.
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