GRANT COUNTY, WA – Flu activity remains high as the 2025/26 respiratory illness season continues. Grant County Health District (GCHD) urges you to take steps to protect yourself and others.
Thus far, one flu-associated death has been confirmed in a Grant County resident. The death occurred in a person in their 50s who had underlying health conditions.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a community member to the flu. Our hearts are with the family and friends who are grieving,” said Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County Health Officer. “With high flu activity in our area, we encourage everyone to take care of themselves and others by staying up to date on the flu vaccine, staying home when you are sick, and staying informed.
Current Situation
Local: One way GCHD tracks the severity of respiratory illness season is by monitoring flu-associated emergency department (ED) visits. Last week, more than 6% of ED visits in Grant County were related to flu. The official threshold is 1.44%, meaning flu activity is over four times that level.
Though RSV and COVID activity is low, combined acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) remain high. ARI is a combined measure that includes RSV, COVID-19, flu, and other common short-term illnesses that affect breathing.
GCHD has helped mitigate several flu outbreaks and continues to monitor respiratory illness activity within healthcare facilities and schools.
State: Washington State Department of Health is reporting 74 confirmed flu-associated deaths to date. Most deaths occurred in people with underlying health conditions.
Flu activity, including wastewater levels, is currently high statewide. Flu has also been the most common respiratory illness so far this season.
RSV activity is elevated and above the seasonal threshold of 0.4%, while COVID-19 activity remains low and below the State’s threshold of 1.1%.
National: Flu activity remains elevated across the U.S. RSV is elevated in many areas of the country, while COVID-19 activity is elevated in some areas.
Protect Yourself and Others
As respiratory illness season continues, GCHD encourages you to take the following precautions to lower the chance of getting yourself and others sick:
Get your flu shot and stay up to date on the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. These vaccines are safe and can help reduce your chance of severe illness
Avoid visiting healthcare facilities, especially long-term care (LTC) facilities, and vulnerable people if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms. LTC and hospital residents are among the populations most vulnerable to respiratory viruses
GCHD strongly recommends you wear the most protective mask that also fits well if visiting a LTC facility
If you are not feeling well, stay home and test as soon as possible
Wash your hands well and often
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
Respiratory Illness Guidance
If you test positive for a respiratory illness, take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus. Stay home and away from others until both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND
You have not had a fever (without using fever-reducing medication).
When you go back to your normal activities, wear a protective mask and take added precautions for an additional 5 days.
Flu and COVID-19 Treatment
Antivirals are prescription medicines that can fight flu and COVID-19 viruses. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medication, start it right away and finish the entire prescription.
Tamiflu is a common antiviral used to treat flu and is safe for children and adults. If your child tests positive for flu, or if you test positive and are at higher risk of serious complications, ask your doctor about Tamiflu. Additional antivirals could be available through your doctor’s office.
PAXLOVID is a prescription treatment for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk of severe illness. Talk with your doctor to see if PAXLOVID is right for you.
Avian Influenza vs. Seasonal Influenza
GCHD is also closely monitoring the current avian influenza situation, commonly known as bird flu.
Bird flu and seasonal influenza (flu) are different. Seasonal flu spreads easily among people every year, usually in the colder months. Bird flu mainly affects birds such as wild waterfowl and farm poultry and occurs year-round. It rarely infects humans but can be dangerous if it does. If you have flu-like symptoms and have had recent contact with sick or deceased birds, tell your doctor right away.
There is no evidence showing that bird flu can spread from person to person. No vaccine is currently available for bird flu.
For recent news and more information about bird flu go to Avian Influenza | Grant County Health District, WA.
GCHD commits to informing the public of communicable diseases present in our community. Find respiratory illness season updates on GCHD’s website or by following GCHD on Facebook. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of respiratory illness.
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