Washington State Reports First Flu Death

A 40-year-old-man died from influenza B complications the week of Oct. 21 in Pierce County, Wash., according to a report from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The patient, who had other pre-existing conditions, was admitted to an intensive care unit for more than a week before his death, according to KING 5 News. Four other individuals have been hospitalized with the flu in Pierce County since mid-September. Two cases involved influenza A, and two involved influenza B. The patients' ages ranged from teens to late-60s. During the 2017-18 flu season, Washington state reported 247 flu-related deaths. The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine by the end of October. **Source:** https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/washington-state-reports-1st-flu-death.html