Thurston County Public Health and Social Services has been notified of the county’s first influenza-related death of the season, the agency said Oct. 7. Officials have not released details about the person who died. Influenza A activity remains low statewide, but county health officials said it is increasing earlier than in recent years. They urged residents to get an updated flu vaccine as soon as possible. The Washington state Department of Health had reported 253 lab-confirmed influenza deaths for the 2025-26 season as of Sept. 12. That figure covers the state and the previous flu season, not Thurston County’s current season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Flu can be especially serious for young children, pregnant people, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. Health officials also recommend frequent handwashing, staying home when sick and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.