Jackson and Josephine counties continue to see high influenza rates this year.
Influenza -- also known as the flu -- is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza A(H1N1) and Influenza A(H3N2) are the predominant virus strains circulating in Southern Oregon.
These two strains are not the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPA1), also known as "bird flu" A(H5N1). There have been no confirmed local bird flu cases.
If you have flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches or fatigue, talk to your doctor before visiting the hospital emergency room. Emergency departments are busy, and people with mild symptoms who want to be seen can protect others and avoid long waits in the ER by calling their primary care provider before heading to the hospital.
Even though most people only have mild illnesses, some people with severe illnesses do need emergency care. This is also true for people with flu who get better but then come back with a fever and cough.
Children should be seen urgently if they have labored or troubled breathing, bluish skin color, are not waking up or interacting, become so irritable that they do not want to be held, or have fever with a rash. Infants should get medical help right away if they are unable to eat, have a hard time breathing, do not have tears when they cry, or have fewer wet diapers that normal.
People at higher risk of severe illness from influenza include those 65 years and older, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions or weak immune systems. The flu vaccine is available from health care providers, Jackson and Josephine County Public Health departments, and many pharmacies.
