First flu case reported in Spokane

Oct. 14, 2015 Updated Wed., Oct. 14, 2015 at 8:26 p.m.

By Rachel Alexander rachela@spokesman.com (509) 459-5406

A Spokane County woman in her 50s tested positive for influenza this week, marking the first confirmed local flu case this season.

The woman was hospitalized and had previous chronic health conditions, said Spokane Regional Health District spokeswoman Kim Papich.

“Most people that we see hospitalized are age in the 60-or-above-category, but since she did have chronic health conditions, that’s one possible explanation,” Papich said.

She could not confirm whether the woman still was being treated or has been released from the hospital.

Typically, flu season starts later in the year. Papich said an early start doesn’t mean this season will be more serious, but the health district is encouraging everyone over 6 months old to get vaccinated.

Last flu season, 407 people in Spokane County were hospitalized with flu-related illness, and 17 people died.

Flu vaccines are available at a number of locations, including health care providers, local pharmacies and grocery stores.

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