The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Walla Walla — The county’s first flu-related death of the 2023-24 flu season was recently reported. Previous flu-related deaths have been reported in the eastern Washington region in recent weeks, but this is the first reported in Walla Walla County.

While most people recover from flu with care and rest, flu can be a serious illness and cause deadly complications.

The Walla Walla County Community Health Department urges individuals to follow public health recommendations and stay up to date on vaccinations to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses this season:

Receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine if eligible.

Individuals can visit http://www.YakimaVaccines.org for more information.

Stay home if you are sick and if individuals experience COVID-19 symptoms, get tested.

Beginning November 20, every household in the United States can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home. Individuals can place their order at http://www.COVIDTests.gov.

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Individuals are encouraged to speak to their primary care provider about vaccination for themselves and their family to make informed decision-making. For those that do not have a primary care provider, please call 2-1-1.

Flu Vaccine

Everyone six months of age and older are recommended to get an annual flu vaccine. Young children, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 65 and older are at high risk for flu-related complications. The flu is a highly contagious disease that can cause mild to severe illness, and lead to hospitalization and death- even in healthy, young people. Getting a flu vaccine reduces an individual’s risk of getting the flu, and it can be safely given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the updated COVID19 vaccine for everyone ages six months and older to protect against the newer COVID-19 variants, regardless of previous vaccination.

RSV Vaccine

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. RSV vaccines are available to provide protection:

Adults 60 years old and over

Adults 60 years and older may receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine

Pregnant people

1 dose of maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, administered immediately before or during RSV season.

Individuals with questions about the RSV vaccine for themselves should speak to their healthcare provider.

Additional Information

COVID Tests

http://www.covidtests.gov/

CDC Influenza Information

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Washington State Department of Health: Are you at high risk for the flu?

https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/flu/are-you-high-risk-flu

CDC RSV Information

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

CDC RSV Immunization Information

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/index.html