November 14, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Respiratory viruses are expected to continue to circulate this season at higher levels than Oregon has experienced over the last two years as people gather indoors for the holidays, according to a physician with the Oregon Health Authority.

Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA said its unknown whether two of those viruses – RSV and influenza – will be more severe than pre-pandemic seasons.

Jeanne said, “Nationally we are seeing some alarming trends of early – and in some cases very high – circulation of both viruses. Jeanne said, “Given this concerning picture, we need to work together to protect hospital capacity so that all of us have access to critical care when we need it”.

Jeanne said the COVID-19 pandemic has “placed incredible strain” on our health care system, with RSV further straining systems. He said influenza will only add to this burden.

The OHA release said COVID-19 transmission is expected to increase as people gather indoors and immunity from vaccination and previous infections wane. The seven-day moving average of new confirmed and presumptive cases has hovered between 350 and 400 cases. Jeanne said an Oregon Health & Science University forecast predicts that COVID-19 hospitalizations, which were just under 230 last week, will increase slightly and peak at about 280 by early December.

A recording of Jeanne’s comments is available on the OHA YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0fEJKA3_SI