Influenza – or flu activity in Oregon started to rise in early November, and in the last few weeks, has been spreading faster.
As of December 27, about 14.8% of flu tests across the state were positive, slightly lower than 15.9% the previous week.
This positivity rate indicates high flu transmission. Most flu going around is influenza A. More than 50% of those cases are influenza A(H3N2).
Oregon has not yet reached the peak of flu season, though currently, positive tests are lower than the 2024-2025 season, which was the worst flu season on record.
Hospitalizations are starting to increase but are still fairly low overall, with 6.8 individuals per 100,000 hospitalized so far this season.
There are no signs that this will be an unusually severe flu season, but flu activity is changing quickly. It’s important to remember that even during mild or moderate flu seasons result in illness and death. Every flu season is a bad flu season.
When flu spreads quickly, clinics, emergency departments and hospitals can become overwhelmed. Many people miss days of work and school.
The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect against illness from severe flu and is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The vaccine typically reduces the risk of hospitalization by about 50%.
Other ways to help stop the spread of flu include:
- Covering coughs and sneezes.
- Washing hands frequently.
- Staying home when a person is feeling sick.
People at higher risk for severe flu such as older adults, people with certain health conditions and children younger than 5 may also want to wear masks and avoid crowded indoor places when flu levels are high.
Flu vaccination rates in Oregon have gone down in years. About 26.9% of people in Oregon have received their flu vaccine this season. Vaccination rates are highest among adults over age 50 and children younger than 7.
More information is available at:
- Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboards.
- OHA’s weekly Flu Bites report.
- Oregon Seasonal Influenza Immunization Data dashboard.
Learn more at OHA’s flu prevention webpage.