During the last week of December, 36% of influenza tests were positive, up from 8% one month earlier

VANCOUVER – Influenza is circulating at increasing levels in Clark County, with the percentage of positive influenza tests increasing significantly in the last month. During the last week of December, 36% of influenza tests were positive, up from 8% one month earlier.

Emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to influenza have also increased significantly in the last month. During the most recent week of data (Dec. 22-28), more than 7% of visits to Clark County emergency departments and 5.5% of county hospitalizations were due to influenza. One month earlier, influenza accounted for less than 1% of emergency department visits and 0.2% of hospitalizations.

 “While influenza activity is already high, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “The flu season can last months. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection throughout the rest of the flu season.”

An annual influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated not only protects the person receiving the vaccine but also helps to protect others around them who are vulnerable to complications from influenza. Young children, pregnant people, people 65 and older and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and long-term health conditions are at greatest risk of complications.

“The flu vaccine is safe and provides the best protection against illness, missed days of work or school, and serious complications from influenza,” Melnick said.

The vaccine is widely available at medical offices and pharmacies in Clark County. However, only 24% of Clark County residents have received a 2024-25 flu vaccine.

Other respiratory illnesses

COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also circulating in Clark County but at lower levels than influenza. During the most recent week of data (Dec. 22-28), about 1% of Clark County hospitalizations and less than 1% of emergency department visits were due to COVID-19. RSV accounted for less than 1% of county hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

Vaccines that provide protection against COVID-19 and RSV are available, but as with influenza, vaccination rates are low in Clark County.

Everyone 6 months and older should receive at least one dose of the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, depending on their previous COVID-19 vaccination history. In Clark County, 15.4% of residents have received the updated vaccine.

The RSV vaccine is available for older adults and pregnant people. One dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults 75 years and older, as well as adults 60 to 74 years old who are at increased risk of severe illness. In Clark County, 37% of adults 75 years and older have received the RSV vaccine.

Pregnant people should get one dose of the RSV vaccine from September through January, when they are between 32 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy, to protect their newborn baby during the time of year when RSV circulates.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are simple things people can do to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy during respiratory illness season:

• Stay home when sick and keep sick children home from school.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Consider masking in crowded indoor places, especially if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for severe illness, or if you have cold-like symptoms and must leave your house.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
• Avoid spending time with people who are sick.

For the latest information about respiratory illnesses in Clark County, visit the Public Health website.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.