Thurston County reports first flu-related death as state sees sharp rise in cases

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) reported an influenza-related death of a county resident on Wednesday, as flu activity remains elevated across Washington.

The Washington State Department of Health also confirmed 39 flu-related deaths statewide so far in the 2025–26 flu season, a sharp increase from the five deaths reported at this time last season.

Individuals who get sick with flu symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others, except to get medical care,” wrote PHSS. “While most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral medications, certain people are at increased risk of serious complications, including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions.

PHSS said each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are hospitalized with flu-related illnesses. Flu-like illness activity is currently high in Washington, with influenza A the most common strain circulating, health officials said.

“To see Thurston County’s Influenza data, check out the annually updated Influenza Dashboard, which details emergency room visits, hospitalizations, outbreaks, and deaths for the influenza respiratory illness season,” wrote PHSS.

Health officials also encouraged residents to stay up to date on their flu vaccinations and follow prevention measures to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including practicing good hygiene and staying home when they are sick.

PHSS said in addition to getting the updated flu vaccine, there are several things you and your family can do to lower your risk of illness and the spread of all respiratory viruses, including the following:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with sudsy soap in warm water, or with hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose where germs like to enter.
• Stay home when you’re sick (even if it is “just a cold”) and isolate sick household members in separate rooms.
• Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated settings.
• Limit the number of close contacts for young infants and individuals with certain chronic conditions.
• Clean high-touch surfaces frequently with a cleaner known to kill these common viruses.
• People in higher-risk groups are recommended to contact their healthcare provider if they develop flu symptoms.