For the past two years, Oregon has had no major flu season – likely in thanks to the pandemic’s increased masking and social distancing.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority, told OPB that it’s the first time in his 30-year career that the state has had an extended respite from the flu.
“This is really unprecedented, at least in my public health lifetime,” said Cieslak.
Unfortunately, it would appear that this break is close to ending. Earlier this month, Oregon, Washington, and California each lifted their mask mandates – and Oregon state health officials are reporting an increase in positive flu tests for the fourth week in a row.
During the week of March 6-12, 3.1% of flu tests were positive, which is nearly five times higher than February’s .6%. And with less than half of the state’s population vaccinated for flu – let alone masking – it’s entirely possible this is only the beginning.
The CDC recommends a flu shot for everyone over the age of six months.
While Cieslak said that most people won’t die when they get the flu, it’s worth getting vaccinated. Otherwise, you risk gnarly headaches, full-body pain and aching, and missed school and/or work, among other things.
The vaccine is readily available in most pharmacies, and comes in a variety of forms, all the way from a traditional shot to a nasal spray for people aged 2-49 who aren’t pregnant.
Those who are over 65 years of age can request a stronger dosage. While this is more likely to result in arm pain, it’s also more protective against influenza.
While it’s a bit harder to spot and track than COVID data, influenza is tracked by the OHA. They examine spread by percentage of positive lab tests and flu-related hospitalizations in the Portland tri-county metro area.
“Maybe we’ll be saved by the calendar,” Cieslak said. “But flu always surprises me, so I don’t bet on anything. I got my vaccine.”
By Ethan Hauck
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