Flu season is in full swing in Tri-Cities

The Tri-City flu season is in full swing with up to 15 percent of blood samples sent for analysis testing positive.

Dr. Amy Person, health officer for the Benton-Franklin Health District, said influenza has claimed 16 lives in Washington, including one local elderly woman.

Flu season is officially at its peak when 10 percent or more tests come back positive. Physicians typically order blood tests for elderly and young patients, those with underlying illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or cancer. Flu symptoms include temperatures higher than a typical cold and body aches.

Person said there is an increase in the number of positive tests for a B strain of influenza. That’s typical for this stage of the cycle. The current influenza vaccine protects against two strains of A and two strains of B.

The season is considered at its peak when 10 percent or more of cases test positive.

While influenza is notoriously unpredictable, the season typically lasts about 13 weeks. The Tri-City peak is a little later than usual but it should wane in about a month, she said.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Flu season is in full swing in Tri-Cities."