Seattle Health Brief: Flu Surges, Peak Ahead, and Women’s Heart Health Spotlight

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Seattle, WA – February 23, 2026 – Flu activity is very high, clinicians expect a peak soon, and experts highlight heart risks for women in midlife.

Respiratory season: flu is running hot

Seattle-area clinics are seeing more people come in with classic flu symptoms, and local reporting says Washington’s flu season is expected to peak in the coming weeks. Health officials say activity has climbed notably since early February, which can translate into more missed work and school, longer waits for same-day appointments, and higher risk for older adults and anyone with chronic health conditions.

If you still have not gotten a flu shot this season, it can still be worth doing. Vaccination will not prevent every case, but it can reduce the odds of severe illness and hospitalization. Basic steps still matter, too: wash hands, cover coughs, improve airflow indoors when possible, and stay home when you are sick.

What to watch for (and when to seek care)

Flu often shows up as a sudden illness with fever plus cough or sore throat, and may include fatigue, body aches, and a runny nose. If symptoms are mild, rest, fluids, and fever control are usually enough.

Call a clinician quickly if you are at higher risk (pregnant, age 65+, immunocompromised, or living with heart/lung disease), if you are getting worse after a few days, or if you are worried about dehydration. Antiviral medications work best when started early, so do not wait it out if you are in a high-risk group.

Women’s heart health: menopause link gets attention

A separate local segment this week highlighted heart health awareness for women and pointed to research linking menopause with increased cardiovascular risk. A Kaiser Permanente physician at the Capitol Hill medical center discussed why midlife can be a key window to re-check blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, sleep, and stress levels.

Practical moves that help many people: aim for regular movement (even brisk walks), prioritize sleep, limit smoking and vaping exposure, and discuss family history and symptoms (like chest pressure, unusual shortness of breath, or new exercise intolerance) with your primary care clinician.

Quick takeaways for Seattle

  • Flu activity is elevated and may climb further before it improves; plan ahead for care and childcare back-ups.
  • Seek help early if you are high-risk or worsening; early treatment can make a difference.
  • Midlife is a good time for women to refresh heart-health screening and prevention plans.

Sources

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-flu-season-expected-peak-coming-weeks/V6SQ2YVM75C4BF6T22STHIOYMQ/
https://www.kiro7.com/news/influenza-risk-very-high-washington-department-health-says/OWZUBKZS2BEGPBCHX2ZDNIETHU/
https://www.fox13seattle.com/video/fmc-6qc0vn2f0zn2vi7l

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