SPOKANE, Wash. — Flu vaccination rates in Washington have dropped 13% compared to last year as health care providers warn the upcoming season could bring severe illness similar to last winter's outbreak.

just over 914,000 people have received flu vaccines this year, down from more than 1 million vaccinated at this time last year. The decline comes as medical professionals prepare for what could be another challenging flu season.

"Last season was a big flu season, yes," said Cindy Roberts Hollon, a nurse practitioner at Multicare who treated numerous flu patients last winter.

Roberts Hollon said most patients who sought treatment were unvaccinated, and many experienced severe symptoms that surprised families.

"I don't think people realize this. The severity of the illness is not just th

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