WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New data shows the spread of influenza hit Whatcom County earlier than usual this year.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that local emergency rooms reported significantly higher levels of positive flu tests this month.

To put it into perspective, the percentage of positive flu tests this October is more than twice as much as the past six Octobers combined.

Graphs of Whatcom County ED visits percentage for positive flu tests. Left graph is original image from WCHCS, right image is altered by MBN to reflect the comparison. Courtesy of WCHCS

Health and community services notes that they typically don’t see this level of flu activity until late December.

One flu death has already been reported this year, compared to last year’s season total of 2.

Health and community services is strongly encouraging people to get their flu shots so that even if they do test positive, it won’t wreak havoc on their immune systems.

Most insurance carriers cover flu shots, and Whatcom County offers free vaccinations for anyone 18 and under.