The fall and winter months are times of the year that respiratory infections like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the common cold circulate at high levels in the United States.
In 2020, the United States did not experience much of a flu season or other respiratory infections due to precautions taken against COVID-19. This includes wearing a face mask, frequently washing hands, and physically distancing. Also, most transmission routes for flu, such as schools, large gatherings, and restaurant and retail capacities, were restricted.
For the 2021-22 flu season, public health professionals are expecting to see higher rates of flu activity and other respiratory infections along with the continued spread of COVID-19.
It remains essential that people continue to wear masks, wash their hands, practice physical distancing, and get vaccinated to protect themselves and loved ones against the flu and COVID19. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
Because some of the symptoms of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses are similar, the difference between them cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. People can be infected with both flu and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time and have symptoms of both influenza and COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
COVID-19 Testing
Weekly Number of New COVID-19 Cases
For week 40 (October 3 – October 9), Jackson County Public Health reported 470 new COVID19 cases. This is a 2% increase from the previous week
Daily Number of New COVID-19 Cases
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 12, 2021, Jackson County Public Health is reporting 63 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases in Jackson County to 22,467.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations for Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties)
As of 10:00 a.m. on October 12, 2021, the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is 52, and there are 17 patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 296 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County’s 295th COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old man who tested positive on September 13 and died on October 1 at their private residence. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County’s 296th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman who tested positive on October 7 and died on October 10 at Providence Medford Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
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