GRANT COUNTY, WA – The Grant County Health Officer, Dr. Alexander Brzezny, has announced the start of the 2025/2026 respiratory illness season. Since the beginning of December, and especially during the last two weeks, influenza (flu) activity in Grant County has increased sharply. This includes a noticeable rise in emergency department visits. Flu activity has also been increasing on state and national levels.
Healthcare facilities should begin implementing enhanced measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. This may include patient and staff screening and the use of face masks in healthcare facilities based on their situation and policies.
This respiratory illness season, take extra steps to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Practice good hand hygiene, stay home when you are sick and talk to your doctor about COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines.
A newer type of the common flu virus is spreading this season. This virus is known as a K variant or clade K. This situation is a normal part of how flu viruses change over time. Some people may get infected more easily because the virus is harder for the body’s immune system to recognize. Others could become sicker than usual. Getting a flu shot is still recommended because it lowers the chance of serious illness and hospitalization.
You can stay up to date with respiratory illness trends in Grant County by visiting https://granthealth.org/228/Respiratory-Viruses-Seasonal-Trends.
Statewide Activity
To date, eighteen (18) flu-related deaths have been reported in Washington state. So far, no flu-related deaths have been reported in Grant County. Flu has been the fastest-rising virus in Washington for several weeks.
Last respiratory illness season was considered a high-severity flu season and had the highest hospitalization rate since 2010/2011.
COVID-19, Flu & RSV: Symptoms & Testing
COVID-19, flu, and RSV are all caused by different viruses. However, they spread in very similar ways and can have similar symptoms. Learn about common symptoms for each respiratory virus.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, you can take an at-home test or talk to your doctor. You can get free COVID-19 tests at GCHD’s office or buy them at your pharmacy. Ask your doctor to be tested for RSV.
Seasonal Vaccines
It is not too late to get your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. Symptoms and outcomes of these illnesses vary for everyone and can be more serious than you might expect. Vaccines can help reduce your chance of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Talk to your doctor or review trusted resources to feel more confident in your vaccine decision.
Available Vaccine | Who Should Get the Vaccine |
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RSV Vaccine:
Monoclonal Antibodies:
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More Ways to Stay Healthy
In addition to seasonal vaccines, you can help keep your family and others healthy by:
- Washing your hands often
- Staying home and away from others if you are sick
- Wearing a mask if you have symptoms and must go out
Updated Stay Home Guidance
If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness or test positive for flu, COVID-19 or other viruses, it is important to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have a respiratory illness stay home and away from others until both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
When you go back to your normal activities, wear a protective mask and take added precautions for an additional 5 days.
Updated Return to Work Guidance for Healthcare
Persons working in healthcare who have any new respiratory illness should stay home at least three (3) days before returning to work. Before returning, their symptoms need to be getting better and they need to be free of fever for at least 24 hours without using any fever reducing medications. Those returning to work in healthcare setting should keep wearing a protective mask for at least ten (10) days after symptoms onset, regardless of their current symptoms.
Treatment
Antivirals are prescription medicines that can fight flu and COVID-19 viruses. Antivirals must be prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. It is very important that antiviral drugs are started as soon as possible to treat patients who are at higher risk of serious complications or very sick with the flu. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medication, finish the entire prescription.
Avian Influenza vs. Seasonal Influenza
Avian influenza (bird flu) and seasonal influenza (flu) are different. Seasonal flu spreads easily among people every year, usually in colder months. Bird flu mainly affects birds such as wild waterfowl and farm poultry and occurs year-round. It rarely infects humans but can be dangerous if it does. There is no evidence showing that bird flu can spread from person to person.
No vaccine is currently available for bird flu. Bird flu symptoms are similar to seasonal flu. If you have flu-like symptoms and have had recent contact with sick or deceased birds, tell your doctor. For more information about bird flu visit: Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Health.
About GCHD
GCHD is committed to informing the public of communicable diseases present in our community. Find respiratory illness season updates on GCHD’s website or by following GCHD on Facebook. By taking the right precautions, you can reduce the risk of respiratory illness.
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