FORKS — Like holiday displays that appear prior to Halloween, influenza is rushing the season this fall.

While flu usually appears on the North Olympic Peninsula in the wake of winter holiday vacations, Clallam County has recorded “nine or 10 cases” as of early last week, county health officer Dr. Christopher Frank told Board of Health members at a meeting Tuesday in Forks.

About an equal number had appeared in Jefferson and Kitsap counties, he said.

‘Not unheard of’

Although flu’s early appearance is unusual, “this is not unheard of,” Frank said.

“Once in about every 10 years, it begins to show up now.”

Forks Community Hospital, Olympic Medical Center and Jefferson Healthcare hospital all will start their contagion protocols by Nov. 1 to prevent the spread of influenza.

Eric Lewis, OMC CEO, said 90 percent of hospital employees had been immunized as of Wednesday, with a target of 95 percent.

People who cannot receive flu shots due to an allergy or who strongly object to being vaccinated must wear face masks when they are on OMC property, Lewis said.

Take the A strain

This year’s strain is influenza A, which the present vaccine protects against, but whether it will immunize against the exact type of flu remains to be seen. Last year’s strain mutated after a vaccine was distributed.

However, Dr. Jeannette Stehr-Green — a Board of Health member, an epidemiologist and former interim health officer — said Tuesday, “There’s a good match between the current vaccine and what they’ve been seeing globally.”

The vaccine is available from doctors and pharmacies throughout Washington state, according to the state Department of Health, and anyone 6 months or older should receive it, said state Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.

Historically, only about half of Washington residents get vaccinated, she said, with a lower rate for teenagers.

When fewer people are protected, according to Lofy, influenza spreads faster and further — including to infants who should not receive the shots.

Young, old, ill

Young children, pregnant women, elders and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease are at high risk for complications from flu that can be fatal.

Influenza is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes, even by people who aren’t aware yet that they are sick.

Eventually, symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and headache.

Washington state provides free vaccines to all children up to 18 years old, although clinics and health departments may charge administration fees or bill for office visits.

The Department of Health website, www.doh.wa.gov, offers information about influenza, its prevention and its treatment.

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Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.