Person dies from flu in Whitman County

WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. — A person died from the flu in Whitman County, according to Whitman County Public Health (WCPH).

The death was Whitman County’s first flu-related death this season.

“As flu cases surge, we encourage the public to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu. It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” wrote WCPH in a press release.

According to WCPH, so far this year, Washington State has seen 357 flu-related deaths and flu rates in Whitman County continue to be higher than the threshold for “high disease activity.”

WCPH said common flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose and extreme fatigue.

Extreme symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe weakness, worsening of existing medical conditions and seizures.

The flu is spread from person to person by droplets from sneezes and coughing.

Getting vaccinated for the flu each year is one of the most successful ways to prevent the flu.

For more information on the flu and how to keep yourself and your family healthy, visit cdc.gov.