January 7, 2020 3:55 a.m.
Similar to the rest of the country, Douglas County has seen a moderately severe flu season so far this winter according to local health officials.
Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Chief Medical Strategist for Douglas Public Health Network told News Radio 1240 KQEN that Mercy Medical Center has reported 89 lab confirmed cases of flu since November 22nd. Dannenhoffer said 16 were influenza type A, and 73 were type B. 14 patients have been hospitalized for the flu but no one has died from it locally since that November date.
Dannenhoffer said that mirrors what the Oregon Health Authority has been seeing throughout the state as well. Seasonal influenza rates are higher than the past three years and continue to increase.
Dannenhoffer said its not too late for people to protect themselves by getting the seasonal influenza vaccination or flu shot. He said it is still free under most insurance plans and is available at clinics, urgent care facilities and at pharmacies.
Contact Douglas Public Health Network for more information.