Central Oregon sees rise in positive flu test results, but health officials say the worst is yet to come

(Update: Adding video, comments from county health officials and residents)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Flu season is hitting the High Desert hard; the region now has the highest number of positive influenza cases in the state. According to state data, the region saw 8.2% positive influenza tests at the end of November.

Data also shows the number of Oregonians getting flu vaccines has dropped from last year's average.

The latest statewide flu numbers from the Oregon Health Authority report 16 hospitalizations the week of Nov. 24-30, up from 10 the previous week.

Central Oregon, Region 7, had 466 flu tests reported, with an 8.2% positivity rate.

Deschutes County Public Health Program Manager Dr. Rita Bacho said Friday, "There's an 80% chance it would look exactly like, or the numbers would be lower than what it was last year. And that's exactly what we're seeing,"

But county health officials warn that flu trends are not straightforward.

"It ebbs and flows," said Dr. Rich Fawcett, Deschutes County health officer and infectious disease Physician. "I wouldn't be surprised if the next week it comes down a little bit. It all depends on who's getting tested and how many people are vaccinated, and how much exposure people have."

We asked residents in downtown Bend how prepared they felt for flu season.

Deborah Cornett is a retired nurse and has been prepared all year long. "I'm not worried. I just take precautions. I do a lot of hand-washing, you know, I use alcohol wipes everywhere," she said.

Ryan Paul says he has not gotten his vaccine yet: "Maybe that's irresponsible of me, but I just didn't, I guess."

Those still needing to get their vaccines can make an appointment with their primary doctor or a nearby pharmacy. Health officials do remind patients that vaccines take about two weeks to be fully effective. And as holiday travel picks up again, doctors say now is the time to get protected.

Bacho said, "The more people we can get vaccinated, the more we can reduce the percent positivity. So as more people get vaccinated, the numbers will continue to go down. And that's what we are hoping for."