The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is urging Washingtonians to get their flu vaccine given the state’s high number of reported cases. Flu season came early this year, and the rate of flu deaths is higher this year than last year at this time. As of December 10, 40 people in Washington, including three children, have died from the flu.
According to the DOH, everyone aged 6 months and older should get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to prevent severe illness and spreading the flu to others. The vaccine also reduces symptoms and complications for those who do get the flu.
More information on the flu and how to get vaccinated can be found here.