Health leaders in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties Friday recommended masking in indoor public places due to the high level of respiratory viruses currently circulating. Communities across Washington state and the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19, according to health officials. Flu deaths doubled from last week and emergency department visits have surged statewide, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The DOH reported 26 flu deaths Friday as of Dec. 3, including 23 adults and three children, up 13 from the week before. The DOH also reported over 1,400 new flu cases Friday from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3. The percentage of emergency department visits for flu-like illness spiked in the weeks since late October reaching nearly 20% in north and central Washington state alongside the Puget Sound area. The percentage of emergency department visits hovered around 3% last flu season in all regions. Rachel Smart’s two daughters are both recovering from RSV. Her 8-month-old was recently hospitalized with the virus. “She was struggling to breathe. This virus is extremely hard on children. It’s really really hard on infants and young babies,” said Smart. Read the full story here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/king-pierce-county-health-recommend-mask-indoors/281-f7940e51-4b45-4295-854b-6ce643035627