Six weeks into the official flu season, Washoe County reports higher numbers of laboratory confirmed cases, compared to last year. Other statistics point to a potentially severe flu season on the horizon. The total number of deaths associated with pneumonia and influenza locally last week was 6.4%, just below the epidemic threshold set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which is 6.6%. The dominant strain in both Washoe County and the nation is influenza A(H3), a particularly virulent strain. Washoe County Health District Communications Manager, Phil Ulibarri, says the statistics are another reminder of the importance of getting a flu shot. Nevadans in general have the lowest flu vaccination rate in the country. Early season flu deaths, high flu activity, and low immunization rates all point to a severe flu season ahead.