Influenza Death

East Wenatchee, WA – An influenza (flu) death was reported to Chelan-Douglas Health District on October 17th, 2022. This is the first influenza (flu) death reported to Chelan-Douglas Health District this 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over the age of six (6) months, as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Vaccination of people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications is extremely important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.

While an annual flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against the flu, other preventative measures include:

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• Wash your hands often, with soap and water
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect everyday surfaces
• Stay home if you have flu like symptoms
• Wearing a mask when in crowded public places

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms often come on suddenly. People who have the flu often experience some or all of these symptoms:

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• Fever/chills
• Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Individuals may also protect people around them from influenza and other respiratory illnesses by wearing a facemask when they have the symptoms above.

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For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.