Thurston County reports first influenza death of the season, 39 deaths statewide
Jan 22, 2026, 7:39 AM | Updated: 8:46 am
Exterior of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services. (Photo courtesy of Thurston County)
(Photo courtesy of Thurston County)
The first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 flu season in Thurston County occurred, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services confirmed.
“Thurston County Public Health and Social Services was notified of an influenza-related death of a Thurston County resident,” Thurston County Public Health and Social Services stated.
In Washington, 39 people have died from influenza, a much higher number than the five reported at the same point last season.
“Individuals who get sick with flu symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others, except to get medical care,” Thurston County Public Health and Social Services said. “While most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral medications, certain people are at increased risk of serious complications, including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions.”
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Steps to lower your risk of illness
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with sudsy soap in warm water, or with hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose where germs like to enter.
- Stay home when you’re sick (even if it is “just a cold”) and isolate sick household members in separate rooms.
- Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated settings.
- Limit the number of close contacts for young infants and individuals with certain chronic conditions.
- Clean high-touch surfaces frequently with a cleaner known to kill these common viruses.
- People in higher-risk groups are recommended to contact their healthcare provider if they develop flu symptoms.
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