Public Health: Flu slamming Oregon; Antivirals recommended
From North Central Public Health District:
The CDC has sent out a Health Advisory to healthcare providers regarding the importance of prescribing antiviral medications for patients with the flu this year.
Seasonal flu activity is high across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the 2022-2023 season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from flu. Antiviral treatment is an important additional tool alongside the flu vaccine in the prevention and control of flu.
The flu is nearing record levels in Oregon, according to modeling by Oregon Health & Science University. See graph below. In the Columbia Gorge, the percentage of flu tests coming back positive is climbing. It stood at 39% for the week ending Dec. 10, which is higher than previous years. It’s not too late to get a flu shot.
Click to Expand. Pay attention to the bright orange line indicating the current spike in flu cases in Oregon which is getting close to meeting the apex of other flu- positive cases in previous years.
Everyone 6 months and older is eligible. Call your doctor’s office for an appointment, or visit your local pharmacy.
All of the local pharmacies offer the high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older. Book your appointment online at:
Walgreen’s (offers flu shot to ages 3 and up): https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/immunization services-appointments.jsp
Safeway (offers flu shot to ages 12 and up): https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/vaccines-and immunizations.html
Fred Meyer (offers flu shot to ages 7 and up): https://www.fredmeyer.com/health/clinic/vaccinations/influenza
Rite-Aid (offers flu shot to ages 7 and up): https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/scheduler
For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.
