Here’s the latest news on the flu in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties:
Clinic visits for people with influenza-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, sore throat and cough) have increased during the past week, putting us at the highest levels the Tri-County Health Officer has seen since 2010. The number of new hospitalizations, however, is about the same as last week, with 172 people admitted from Oct. 1, 2012 to Jan. 26, 2013 (38 newly reported during January 20-26). Most of the hospitalizations are for people over 65 who continue to be hard hit by influenza.
No pediatric deaths from influenza have been reported in Oregon. However, the Tri-County Health Officer has received ongoing reports of absenteeism from schools because of respiratory symptoms. This is not uncommon this time of year as influenza and colds become more common throughout the community.
One of the reasons that influenza may be having a disproportionate impact this year is because many people are also becoming ill with norovirus.
Sometimes called “winter vomiting disease,’’ norovirus is a highly contagious infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea and a feeling of unusual fatigue. It is spread by direct contact with contaminated foods or surfaces. The vomiting and diarrhea caused by norovirus causes people to lose a lot of body fluid which can be especially serious in people with other health problems. Unlike influenza, there are no vaccines or drugs to stop norovirus.While norovirus and influenza cause very different illnesses, having both illnesses together or, one after another, can make people much more sick then they would be with either alone.
Fortunately, the influenza vaccine is a good match this year for the viruses that are spreading locally. Influenza vaccine is still available and continues to be recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Be familiar with the symptoms of influenza. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help. For more information on symptoms and when to see a doctor, visit Multnomah County's flu information Web page.
To protect yourself and your family:
- Get the flu shot. The vaccine reduces your risk of getting sick from influenza and from spreading the virus to others.
- Cover your cough and sneezes. Influenza is mostly spread by people coughing or sneezing on you! Cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue - and remember to toss the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. While the virus doesn’t live long on surfaces like doorknobs or hand rails, it can survive up to 12 hours and spread that way.
- Stay home if you become sick -- at least 24 hours after a fever.
- People who are pregnant, under age 2, or over age 65, and who become ill with flu symptoms should call their health provider right away to see if they can begin antiviral medication.
For information on how to prevent the flu or find where to get the flu shot:, visit www.flu.oregon.gov or call 211.