Flu, RSV and COVID on the rise

December 18, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

We’ve seen an increasing number of visits to local emergency rooms for cases of influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 in King County. Now’s the time to take easy steps to help prevent you and your family from getting sick.

Preparing for respiratory virus season: Tips to prevent serious illness from COVID-19, RSV and flu

October 6, 2023.Reading time 9 minutes.

Young girl with thermometer in her mouth. Young girl covering her cough. Adult man blowing his nose.

Last fall we saw many respiratory virus infections and hospitalizations, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus (flu). This fall, we want to look at what to expect when it comes to respiratory viruses and some prevention steps you can take. 

Public Health reports first pediatric flu death of the 2022-2023 flu season

November 23, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Public Health is reporting the first pediatric flu death of this flu season. It’s an important time to get the seasonal flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 booster and help prevent further spread of illness by staying home when sick.

Tri-demic? Time to increase protections against surging respiratory viruses

November 8, 2022.Reading time 16 minutes.

We’ve been hearing talk of a potential triple threat of viruses or a “tri-demic” this winter – a rise in multiple types of respiratory viruses. We sat down with Dr. Eric Chow, who leads our Communicable Disease and Epidemiology Section, to learn more about what’s happening and what we can do to stay safer.