Health Updates October 2026

This year there is already an uptick in reports of the flu and the health department is recommending getting the flu vaccine early.

Influenza (the flu), norovirus (stomach virus) and RSV (respiratory virus) typically occur in a seasonal pattern, peaking between October 1st and May 31st, during respiratory illness season, or “flu season”. Other virus that are easily transferable between others pick up once school starts with students, staff, and families having more contact with others in confined spaces.

1. If you are notified your student has been exposed to a respiratory virus, keep an eye out for symptoms. If they have symptoms (see chart below) they should stay home to get well and to prevent sharing the virus with others.
2. Keep your student home if they are sick! And, call us to report symptoms of COVID, Influenza, or gastrointestinal illness. And, any confirmed cases in your household.
3. If someone in your household is sick, it's OKAY for everyone to wear masks inside to prevent the spread within your family.

• Fever-Free: The child’s temperature remains below 100.4°F (38°C) without using any fever-reducing medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Symptom Improvement: Overall symptoms have significantly improved, and the student feels well enough to participate fully in normal daily activities
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: The child must stay home until it has been at least 24 hours since the last episode.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: The child must stay home until it has been at least 24 hours since the last episode.
• Rashes of Unknown Origin: If a rash is paired with a fever, severe itching, or open sores, the child requires evaluation and explicit clearance from a healthcare provider before returning

Help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses and keep our community healthy.

➡️ The health department recommends everyone 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Check out the info below for vaccine clinic locations and ordering the nasal vaccine.

Skagit County Public Health offers no-cost routine childhood immunizations for those with and without insurance. They also offer some additional immunizations for uninsured adults.

As the flu season increases, the county typically sets up specific days for immunizations clinics. We will notify families when we have that information. In the meantime you can set up an appointment with the county.

Clinic Hours: By appointment only.
Please call (360) 416-1500 to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about the recommended immunizations for infants, children, teenagers, and adults, visit immunize.org or immunize.org’s webpage.

For general information about vaccines, visit vaccineInformation.org.

Each year Skagit County tracks Respiratory Illnesses and provides reports for residents. For the most up to date information, click on the button below to check out Skagit County's Public Health Reports.

• Washington State Department of Health Respiratory Illness Dashboard
• Norovirus Toolkit (WA DOH)
• Flu Free in Schools and Childcare (WA DOH)
• Chickenpox (Varicella) information (WA DOH)
• Pertussis (whooping cough) information (WA DOH)
• School and Childcare Immunization information (WA DOH)

Last Update: September 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. by Washington State DOH.

As of September 24th, there are no measles cases in Skagit County, but there are 14 in Snohomish County, the 2nd highest in the state. For the most up to date information, please go to the DOH link below.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that can spread very easily between people who are not immune to the disease. Cases of measles are rising across the U.S. and in many countries around the world. We are tracking measles cases and outbreaks in Washington state. All data are preliminary and subject to change.

Our school nurse will be sending out a letter to families if their child has not had the MMR vaccine. The letter will includes the state requirements if a child or familiy member has been exposed to the measles and has not been vaccinated.

Students who have active symptoms of a respiratory illness may be asked to wear a mask until they are picked up by a parent to prevent spreading to others.