Flu activity still expected to be high in WA
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington health officials predict flu activity will be high for several more weeks, and are reminding people it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
According to new data released Thursday, the 2017-2018 flu vaccine is estimated to be 36 percent overall effective at preventing the flu.
“Washington has seen a lot of the H3N2 strain of flu, which causes more severe illness in young children and those over 65 years old,” said Washington state’s Communicable Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist. “This year’s vaccine protects against H3N2, but that strain of the virus is known to change frequently throughout the season, making the vaccine less effective against the virus. Protection is higher against other strains included in the vaccine and can help flu illness be milder and shorter for those who still get sick.”
The Department of Health is urging everyone six months and older, including pregnant women, to get a flu shot. You can find different locations to get vaccinated here, or get weekly flu updates here.
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