Flu activity in Washington state is now considered "very high," according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).  State health officials reported over 1,300 new flu cases from Nov. 20-26, more than double the rate in late October. Influenza type A has been the most common flu strain found in recent weeks, state health officials reported. In the 2022-23 flu season, the DOH said there have been 11 adult flu deaths and two pediatric flu deaths. Flu deaths statewide jumped from seven on Nov. 19 to 13 by Nov. 26, according to the DOH's weekly flu report. There was an average of 193 flu deaths between 2014-2020, with a peak of 296 deaths in the 2017-18 flu season, according to DOH data. There were zero reported flu deaths in 2020-21 and 26 in 2021-22, a big decrease that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and mask usage. The DOH said 12.9% of physician visits between Nov. 20-26 were for flu-like illnesses, up from the normal 1.8% baseline. READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/flu/flu-activity-very-high-washington-state/281-cff72ad3-682f-4c04-af04-6dd7aa812d2c