As we move deeper into respiratory virus season, I want to share a quick update on where flu activity stands, what trends we’re watching, and what you can do to stay healthy.
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| 2025-26 Influenza Season Week 50 ending Dec 13, 2025 © 2025 CDC |
📍 Where Flu Activity Stands Now
- In Washington State, current influenza activity remains lower than what we typically see in historically severe seasons for this time of year.
- Nationally, several states (Idaho, Colorado, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York) have already experienced significantly higher flu activity this season.
- Flu patterns tell us that a slow start does not necessarily mean a mild year. Washington flu seasons often peak in February and can linger into spring.
You can monitor updated local data any time here:
👉 Washington State DOH Respiratory Illness Dashboard:
https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/diseases-and-chronic-conditions/communicable-disease-surveillance-data/respiratory-illness-data-dashboard
🦠 A Season Dominated by H3N2
This year’s circulating influenza strain is predominantly H3N2, a common Influenza A strain, but the specific type (subclade K) is what’s new. H3N2 is historically associated with:
- more severe illness,
- higher hospitalization risk in older adults and vulnerable individuals,
- and seasons that last longer.
🤧 Common Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms often begin suddenly (unlike a slow-building cold):
- Rapid onset fatigue
- High fever and chills
- Significant body aches
- Persistent cough (which may linger for weeks)
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Headache
Symptoms in Children
Kids may also experience:
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- ear pain / pressure
- increased irritability
🚨 When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Go to Urgent Care or Emergency Department if any of the following occur:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or persistent abdominal pain
- Confusion or sudden dizziness
- Fever that improves, then returns worse (“rebound illness”)
- Signs of dehydration (no urination, dry mouth, in kids no tears when crying)
🧪 Testing
At-home combined flu/COVID tests are now widely available at your local pharmacy and can help guide earlier treatment decisions.
💉 Vaccination Still Helps
It’s not too late to vaccinate.
Even in years with partial mismatch, flu vaccines:
- reduce severity of illness,
- lower hospitalization risk,
- and protect vulnerable people around you.
🫧 Practical Prevention
Simple but powerful:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Stay home when sick
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose before washing hands
- Be mindful of prolonged gatherings in enclosed indoor spaces
For broader guidance on managing respiratory illnesses, you can review my earlier blog post:
👉 https://www.essentialdpc.com/2024/10/tis-season-upper-respiratory-illnesses.html
🎯 Final Thoughts
- Washington’s flu activity is currently lower, but that does not guarantee a mild season.
- Historically, our biggest flu surges occur late winter.
- Prevention, vaccination, early testing, and common-sense precautions continue to be the best protection.
- If you travel for the holidays, awareness of surrounding state trends and taking precautions can reduce your likelihood of exposure and spreading illness when you return.
As always, if you’re unsure whether symptoms need evaluation or testing, please reach out to your primary care physician for individualized advice.
Stay well this season!
DISCLAIMER: This general information is for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.
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