Deschutes health officials prepare for flu season

Deschutes County Public Health officials are reminding everyone to get their flu shots, as the season is fast approaching.

According to officials, the county saw a normal flu season, but more elderly people were diagnosed with the virus last year.

Last year, the flu vaccine wasn’t as effective as it could be, according to county officials.

“Sometimes a strain can drift throughout the season, and that is what happened last year,” Communicable Disease Supervisor Heather Kaisner said Friday.

Medical experts have made some changes in the vaccine to make it more effective this winter season.

The county usually sees flu numbers increase during December and January.

Another virus the county is seeing have an impact: More elderly people are contracting the norovirus, which can be very contagious.

Kaisner says the virus tends to hit nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, along with other places where people congregate.

Local health officials say you can get your flu shot at pharmacies or at your doctor’s office.

For more information, you can visit the Deschutes County Public Health website.