03/01/2007

Associated Press

A late-season jump in flu cases in Oregon has health officials urging people without flu shots to get them, and say there is plenty of vaccine available.

Although laboratory-confirmed cases so far this season are fewer than last year, health officials say the surge in cases is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the flu virus.

Dr. Susan Allan, administrator of the Oregon State Public Health Division, said flu, which kills more than 400 Oregonians each year, is "in full swing," with cases scattered throughout the state.

And Dr. Fred Hoesly, an epidemiologist with the Oregon Public Health Division who monitors influenza activity, said that last week 84 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were reported, up from 68 the week before.

Hoesly said flu in Oregon usually peaks in late January or early February.

"Nobody knows what governs the occurrence of influenza spikes. It's a mystery," he said. "It's never too late" to get a flu shot.

He said precautions such as frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth during coughs or sneezes can help slow the transmission to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who might not be fully protected by vaccinations.

Health officials recommend flu vaccinations for children 6 months through age 4 and adults over 50, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, people 5 to 50 years old with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.

They also recommend it for health care workers who provide direct patient care.

In addition to injectable vaccine, a prescription nasal spray called FluMist is available.

Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat and exhaustion.

Donn Moyer, spokesman for the Washington State Department of Health, said the flu season there has been mild and that cases appear to be on the decline.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com