Home / Health / Snohomish County Sees First Flu Death of 2025-26 Season
Snohomish County Sees First Flu Death of 2025-26 Season
13 Nov
Summary
- Woman in 60s with underlying conditions dies from flu on Nov. 8
- Flu season typically peaks between December and February
- 53 flu-related deaths in Snohomish County last season, highest in over a decade
On November 13, 2025, the Snohomish County Health Department announced the first local death from influenza for the 2025-26 season. A woman in her 60s with underlying health conditions passed away on November 8 due to complications from the flu.
"With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it's a perfect time to get your annual flu shot," said Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer for the Snohomish County Health Department. "It's a good idea to get vaccinated at least one to two weeks before a family gathering. This gives your body enough time to build up immunity and offer protection."
Last year's influenza season was particularly severe for Snohomish County, with 53 flu-related deaths reported, the highest in over a decade. The county also saw 859 flu-related hospitalizations during the 2024-25 season. In contrast, the first flu death of the previous season did not occur until early January.
Health officials are concerned about the early arrival of the flu this year, warning that "things will only get worse" as the season progresses. Flu activity typically rises in late fall and peaks between December and February, according to the Snohomish County Health Department. So far this season, the county has reported nine influenza-related hospitalizations.
