PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County — hard-hit by influenza a year ago when eight people died from flu-like symptoms — is once again grappling with another round of this potentially life-threatening condition.

The Kitsap Public Health District reported Monday that five deaths recorded in the county since the last week of February that were attributable to influenza.

All five tested positive for influenza type A and had underlying medical conditions, Dr. Susan Turner, health officer for the agency, said. Three were adults aged 19 to 64 years old, while two were older than 64. One of the individuals was vaccinated while the vaccination status of the other four is unknown, she said.

Kitsap County and Washington state are seeing an increase in reported flu deaths and emergency department visits for flu-like illness. Some schools in Kitsap County are also reporting elevated levels of absenteeism due to influenza, the agency reported in a news release.

“We want to remind our community members in higher risk groups to contact their doctor right away if they begin to feel symptoms of the flu,” Turner said. “Prompt antiviral treatment can be lifesaving.”

The flu can cause serious illness or hospitalization for some people, Turner said, especially those in high-risk groups that include seniors, children younger than 5, pregnant women, people with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, extreme obesity, weakened immune systems or other chronic medical conditions. Residents of long-term care facilities and Native Americans and Alaskan Natives are also susceptible.

Kitsap Public Health District said people can protect themselves and family members by getting a flu shot — medical providers said it is not too late to do so. If sick, those afflicted should stay at home to minimize risk and, if asked, wear a mask. They also should wash their hands frequently, especially before touching their eyes, nose or mouth, and before eating.