Tracking flu season in Washington

Two flu-related deaths in Thurston and Snohomish counties recently as the State Department of Health warns of an early flu season this year. And joining us now is Dr. Tao-Hsien Kwan-Gat, the Chief Science Officer for the Washington Department of Health. Doctor, good morning to you. Good morning. Now, we are seeing higher flu numbers earlier than usual. Why is that? That's true. We are seeing emergency department visits for influenza-like illness rise. And this year, they started rising in mid-August. In past years, the rise in emergency department visits often didn't start until mid or late October. But this year, it does seem to be starting earlier. And that means it's important to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible. Whereas in past seasons, you might have waited till mid or late August, mid or late October to get your flu vaccine. Now it's a good idea to get vaccinated against flu now if you haven't already. So this year's flu season starting early last year's lingered longer did any indication as to why that is you know different seasons have different strains of influenza that circulate and they kind of have a mind of their own as to when they start so we can't really control when flu season starts but we can control when we get vaccinated and so since flu flu has decided to come early that means it's best to get vaccinated early so that we can all get the best protection against flu and that's flu vaccine especially for those who are at increased risk for severe complications from flu such as the very young the very old those with chronic conditions like chronic heart disease chronic lung disease immune immune deficiencies immune system medications that weaken the immune system for all of these for everybody over six months but especially for those groups it's important to get vaccinated against flu and aside from that vaccination what can people do to protect themselves during flu season well we can protect each other if we are sick to stay home and don't spread it to each other be sure to cover your coughs and sneezes if you are have to go out and about even if you are sick with coughing and sneezing wear a mask wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. And the best protection, as I said, is to get vaccinated against influenza. And while you're getting up to date on influenza vaccine, also get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine and measles vaccine as well. So our head of health federally, RFK Jr., is a noted vaccine skeptic. What do you say to folks who are skeptical about getting vaccines in general? I say vaccines are well tested. There's a lot of experience with influenza vaccine showing that the benefits far outweigh the risks. And the best person for trusted information about vaccines are your health care providers. So if you have concerns about vaccine, if you have questions about vaccine, be sure to ask your health care provider because they will be happy to answer your questions, address any concerns and get you up to date on vaccines. You know, I'm curious, doctor, what your relationship is with federal health officials. Like I mentioned, Health Secretary RFK Jr. is a vaccine skeptic, and there's been a ton of confusion about vaccines because of changing guidance from the federal government. So how do you manage differing opinions between proven science and the man in charge? Well, the most important thing we can do as a state health department and local health departments is give accurate information to people so that they can make the best choice for their own health. And so that's what we do at the Department of Health. We provide accurate information on vaccines and other public health interventions so that people can make the best choices for them and their families. And when it comes to flu, there's no doubt about it. Flu vaccine is the best protection we have against influenza. Same is true for COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection we have against COVID-19, as well as a whole host of other vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are best protection against measles, whooping cough, and they're safe, well-tested, have a great track record of preventing severe illness, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. and so that's what we can do. We can provide accurate information for people to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Dr. Taoshan Kwong, the Chief Science Officer for the Washington Department of Health, thank you so much for your time this morning. We appreciate it. Yeah, thank you for having me. All right, let's check in with Ilona.