PORT ANGELES — Two more patients have died of influenza complications at Olympic Medical Center, bringing the North Olympic Peninsula’s flu season toll to five.

Dr. Tom Locke, health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties, said: “All deaths have been in elderly individuals who were chronically ill.”

Locke added: “This is a bad flu year. We’re seeing higher rates of hospitalizations. Everything’s up.”

Statewide figures

Statewide figures lag behind local reports, Locke said, but 62 people had died in Washington as of the week ending Jan. 17.

They did not include the latest two deaths, he said.

A nationwide mortality total was unavailable, but 11 pediatric deaths had been reported as of Jan. 17.

Clallam County has about 1 percent of the state’s population. Its flu mortality is higher, Locke said, because “our age demographics are such that the number of seniors is over twice what it is in the state.”

“We’re . . . approaching 25 percent seniors,” Locke said. “Influenza disproportionately impacts the elderly as far as mortality.”

H3N2 strain

This year’s H3N2 influenza strain is especially virulent.

“Of all the different kinds of flus you can get, that’s the one that can cause the highest number of complications,” Locke said.

What’s called “genetic drift” of the flu variety beyond the protection offered by this year’s vaccines also has exacerbated the situation.

“This could be the worst season this decade,” Locke said.

Estimated peak efficacy of a vaccine is about 65 percent, he said. This year’s shots are only about 25 percent effective.

Still, getting a flu shot can lessen its severity and the likelihood of hospitalization or death, although Locke recommends that newly vaccinated at-risk people also take a prescription antiviral medication like Tamiflu for two weeks.

“You’ve got to literally pick up a virus and inoculate yourself,” Locke said.

And old-fashioned hygiene is still the first line of defense, he said.

It’s especially important to use soap and water or an alcohol-based lotion on your fingertips, he said, which are most likely to come into contact with eyes, nasal passages or mucous membranes, all of which are the portals to viruses.

“Now’s the time for meticulous handwashing,” Locke said. “Cover your cough [and] stay at home if you’re ill.”

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