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Respiratory Season Update 

As we begin the New Year, influenza (flu) season is officially upon us. With travel, gatherings, and other holiday activities occurring over the past few weeks, it’s not surprising we’ve seen a significant jump in Central Oregon flu cases recently! The image below shows the percent of positive flu tests in Central Oregon for the last two weeks of December (see “Calendar Week 51 & 52”).  

Source: Central Oregon Flu Surveillance Report - January 20, 2026 

When looking at how this current (2025-2026) season compares to others in recent years, we started off the season following a trend similar to our 2023-2024 season. However, with a recent increase in positive cases, we are now seeing similarities to our 2024-2025 season where flu cases peaked in early January at 28% of flu tests being positive.  

These trends in flu are similar to what is happening at our state and national levels. Looking at the image below, we saw a noticeable jump in cases during the last week of December, with 16.2% positivity, when looking at statewide information in Oregon - with a slightly later season start compared to the most previous season.  

Source: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Flu Bites Weekly Report 

When looking at Flu activity across Oregon in the graphic below, our region (region 7) shows the second highest activity in the state at 22.7%. 

Source: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Flu Bites Weekly Report 

Looking out at the national level of flu activity in the map below, flu activity has also increased quickly over the last two weeks of December, with many states categorized as having ‘high’ and ‘very high’ activity. 

Source: CDC FluView 

What about RSV & COVID-19? 

The highest number of positive COVID-19 tests this season occurred between 10/5/25 - 10/11/25 and have been decreasing in Central Oregon over the past few weeks. You can find the latest report here. However, for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), there has been a slight increase as shown by the red line in the graph below.  

Source: Central Oregon RSV Surveillance Report - January 20, 2026 

Looking at the graphic below of statewide RSV activity, we can see that similar to flu, our region (region 7) is also seeing the highest RSV activity in the state.   

Source: OHA RSV Surveillance Report 

How do I protect myself from these respiratory illnesses? 

Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson County Health Departments strongly recommend the following preventative measures: 

• Get vaccinated if you are eligible- vaccines are the best defense against severe illness from COVID-19, Flu and RSV.   
• Remain isolated until at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved without the use of medication. 
• Practice frequent hand washing. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Stay home if you are sick and consult with your Primary Care Provider. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way. 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated. 

For more information on recent respiratory trends in Central Oregon, please visit our webpage here. The Oregon Health Authority also provides a helpful website on general information about immunizations and required vaccinations for children here. 

Winter Weather Safety Reminders 

While we have seen less snow than usual in Central Oregon, we still have more winter left and winter weather is still possible. Stay prepared for unexpected winter weather to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. 

• Drive cautiously during winter conditions by increasing your following distance, slow down, avoid sudden braking, and turn your lights on. 
• Use TripCheck to stay informed of road conditions. 
• Layer clothing to keep heat from escaping and wear water-resistant or waterproof outer layers to stay dry. 
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite; seek medical attention if you are noticing any symptoms. 
• Shovel safely! Shoveling can increase risk of heart issues in some individuals. Push or sweep snow instead of lifting or use a snowblower instead of shoveling. 
• Wear sunscreen, even in cloudy conditions, as the snow can reflect more of the sun’s harmful rays. 
• Engage in wellness activities and social programs to combat winter blues and keep active safely indoors. 

See Us in the News

• Measles cases confirmed in Oregon; Central Oregon on alert | The Bulletin
• Oregon measles cases have health officials urging vaccines | Local News | centraloregondaily.com 
• Crook County boosts resources to help people quit nicotine | The Bulletin 
• Flu cases rise Central Oregon | Local News | centraloregondaily.com 
• Flu high in Central Oregon | The Bulletin 

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Public Health Resources:

• Central Oregon public health web resources:
• Crook County
• Deschutes County
• Jefferson County

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