A total of 14 flu-related deaths and 20 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Jefferson County Health Department during the 30-week respiratory season, which began on Sept. 29 and ended on May 17.
During the respiratory season, 4,117 flu cases were reported to the Health Department. Of those cases, 93 percent were type A and 7 percent were type B. The season peaked at 733 flu cases during the week of Feb. 2, and no cases were reported the final week of the season.
Also during the season, 3,242 COVID cases were reported to the Health Department, with cases peaking the week of Dec. 22 at 233. During the final week of the season, 28 cases were reported.
During the previous respiratory season that ended May 18, 2024, two flu-related deaths and 41 COVID-related deaths were reported in Jefferson County. The Health Department reported 3,498 flu cases and 5,605 COVID cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine. Health officials also recommend people get the COVID vaccine.
