Dr. Vin Gupta warns Western Washington’s flu season may be starting unusually early

Respiratory illnesses now account for 11% of emergency room visits in Western Washington, a sharp rise over the past three weeks. King County reported more than 233 flu-related ER visits in a single week, while COVID levels are rising in Seattle-area wastewater and hospitals. Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonary and critical care physician and medical analyst for MS Now, told Joyce that ER visits for flu-like symptoms usually reach these levels around the end of November and into December—not the start of October. He urged people to focus on prevention and vaccination over the next two weeks.

Gupta said the reason for King County’s flu spike is uncertain. Schools are back in session, pediatric flu cases are appearing, and travel and indoor gatherings increase exposure. Reduced federal data also makes it harder to tell whether flu has become more contagious or severe. Rising COVID signals another ongoing risk: Gupta said most people are not up to date with their COVID shots, even though COVID circulates year-round and resurges in colder months.

His flu-vaccine guidance: everyone six months of age and older should get a shot to reduce hospitalization risk. For people younger than 50 without an underlying medical condition, the standard flu vaccine is sufficient. For ages 50 to 64, he said a new mRNA flu vaccine is interchangeable with the standard-dose shot. People 65 and older should choose a high-dose flu vaccine rather than the mRNA option.

Because flu, COVID, RSV and colds can look alike but call for different treatment, Gupta recommends testing promptly when flu-like symptoms begin—even if someone feels otherwise healthy. At-home combination tests for COVID and flu, sometimes RSV, cost about 10 to $15 for a few tests; insurance may reimburse them. He named 'Tama flu' for flu and 'Paxilid' for COVID as transcribed, emphasizing that early testing enables early treatment. Seek medical attention for difficulty catching your breath or speaking in full sentences, shortness of breath that does not resolve with rest, chest pain, or fever persistently above 102. Keep sick children or other loved ones home until recovered and no longer symptomatic, even after a negative test, and arrange testing or a pediatrician visit when appropriate.