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As one of the worst flu seasons in nearly a decade continues to thrive across the country, Oregon is the first state in the lower 48 to see the virus decline from "widespread" to "regional".

Oregon spent six straight weeks with widespread flu activity, which resulted in the deaths of two children and 1,112 influenza-associated hospitalizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties since last October. The state has also reported 105 outbreaks statewide, mostly in long-term health care facilities.

This flu season treated Oregon differently than the rest of the country. While strain H3N2 ravaged states nationwide, Oregon was spared and hit primarily by H1N1. H3N2, which is more common during severe seasons, is more resistant to vaccinations than H1N1.

Though the virus seems to be calming down in Oregon, emergency room visits for “influenza-like illness” are still higher than they’ve been in years. Currently, five percent of all emergency room visits are due to flu-like symptoms. The previous three flu seasons never rose above four percent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to encourage everyone six months and older to get vaccinated as activity is expected to remain elevated for several more weeks.

Up to 650,000 die annually from respiratory diseases associated with the seasonal flu according to the World Health Organization.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Oregon Health Authority

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--Mark Graves

mgraves@oregonian.com

@markwgraves