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SEATTLE - The Washington State Department of Health said respiratory illnesses have made up nearly 14% of emergency department visits so far in March.
Flu and RSV activity is elevated, according to the DOH.
FOX 13 Seattle talked with a Snohomish County doctor about why this season has been unusual.
Flu, RSV activity in western Washington
Dig deeper:
If you've been hit by RSV or even the flu, you know it, feeling everything from muscle aches to fatigue and pain that runs bone deep.
Snohomish County health officials said we have still got a ways to go this season.
"It's an unusual respiratory virus season. So, there was a late start for us both for flu and RSV. COVID has remained pretty low," said Dr. James Lewis, the Snohomish County Health Officer at the Snohomish County Health Department.
He's hopeful we will soon see flu and RSV cases winding down.
"Flu has really kind of leveled off, although this last week it took a pretty decent downturn, so we'll still have to wait. I think there's certainly a possibility we could see another uptick in flu," he said.
2026 flu sweeps through WA
By the numbers:
The Washington State Department of Health said both illnesses have elevated activity, but decreasing trends and COVID activity is low.
Respiratory illnesses make up nearly 14% of emergency room visits so far this month, per the DOH.
The DOH has counted 157 flu deaths so far this season, compared to 214 at the same time last year.
There are also slightly fewer RSV deaths.
It's likely your office or child's school has been impacted by the bugs.
"It's been a little bit less as with the rest of the data as compared to previous years, but you know, we are still seeing some schools with greater than 10% absenteeism," Lewis said.
We contacted several school districts across the Puget Sound region, including Seattle Public Schools, Everett Public Schools, and Tacoma Public Schools.
What they're saying:
Tacoma Public Schools Chief Communications Officer Tanisha Jumper shared this response:
"Tacoma Public Schools follows the guidance and direction of Tacoma Pierce County Health Department related to communicable diseases. We do not track absences by illness type so we do not have data at a district level to share. If individual schools were to have significant increases in absences due to illness, we would work directly with the Health Department for additional guidance."
Seattle Public Schools issued the following statement to FOX 13 Seattle:
"Seattle Public Schools (SPS) nurses continue to actively monitor health trends and attendance patterns across our schools to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.
"At this time, we have not seen a significant drop in attendance because of the flu or RSV within the district. SPS will continue to follow public health guidance and take necessary precautions to maintain a healthy environment for all."
Everett Public Schools has not yetresponded to our inquiries.
Lewis said the flu shot was less helpful this time around, at about 20–30% effective in keeping people out of hospitals or urgent care.
"A really good year, we see, like, 60, maybe close to pushing 70% effectiveness," Lewis said.
Still, he said the shot is worth getting.
"If you could do anything to reduce your risk of, you know, having a serious illness and going to the hospital by 30%, I know I would do it," he said.
He said some seasons are just harder to predict, like this one, which he said isn't over yet.
"We're still at a pretty substantial amount of flu that's being circulated in the community at the moment," Lewis said.
What you can do:
Doctors said it's not too late to get your flu shot if you haven't just yet.
They also said you should stay home if you find yourself sick, but if you need to visit your doctor's office you should wear a mask.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Dan Griffin.