Wenatchee

Hospitalizations up for flu season

Flu has hit the Wenatchee Valley with officials at the Chelan-Douglas Health District reporting five to six cases of flu-related hospitalizations.

“In our state, Western Washington is ahead of us by weeks, but we are catching up now,” said Mary Small, a spokeswoman for the Chelan-Douglas Health District.

Statewide, as of Jan. 16, there were 12 confirmed influenza-related deaths but none have been in North Central Washington, Small said. All the deaths have come from the influenza A virus, which is in the current vaccine. Of the deaths, 83 percent were in people age 65 and older.

Health district officials become alarmed if 10 percent of the staff at a large business or a school are out with the flu, Small said. Those numbers have not been seen locally.

The flu was first reported in Chelan and Douglas counties in December.

Small suggests that people get a flu shot, which provides about 60 percent protection from the flu and may result in milder illnesses among people who get the flu. People with the flu should also stay home to avoid spreading the disease. And everyone should wash their hands frequently, especially after touching their nose or mouth.

— Dee Riggs, World staff