SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane Regional Health District announced the first flu-related death in Spokane County this week.

SRHD said the person was a county resident in their 70s with underlying medical conditions. They were one of seven residents hospitalized for flu complications so far this season.

“This heartbreaking loss reminds us how dangerous influenza can be,” said Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Spokane County Health Officer. “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the individual who passed.”

During the last flu season, the Washington State Department of Health reported a total of 504 flu-related deaths across the state. Out of those, 53 deaths happened in Spokane County.

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headach

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