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Oregon’s respiratory virus season predicted to remain mild compared to the past two years

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Oregon’s respiratory virus season predicted to remain mild compared to the past two years


Oregon’s 2023 to 2024 respiratory virus season has yielded less hospitalizations than the past two years and is predicted to remain relatively mild, according to Dr. Peter Graven, director of Oregon Health and Science University’s office of advanced analytics.

Since November, hospitalizations due to COVID-19, RSV and flu have been lower than he anticipated, and Oregon has had less cases and hospitalizations than most other states, Graven said.

Though hospitalizations are down from recent years, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has said the numbers nationally remain higher than in the 2017 to 2018 season before the spread of COVID-19.

The respiratory illness season, which typically begins in November and runs through March, is marked by increased spread of respiratory viruses and hospitalizations due to illnesses such as COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza.

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Graven has been putting out regular forecasts since March 2020 detailing past data and predicting respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations for the next month.

By predicting hospitalization rates, he can help medical facilities understand the potential risk for capacity challenges and give Oregonians an idea of what the likelihood of contracting a respiratory illness is.

While the respiratory illness season in Oregon has been mild so far this winter, Graven cautioned people to continue taking necessary steps to protect themselves and others, like staying up to date on vaccines, especially those who are at higher risk of developing serious complications.

“Cautiously, I’d say things look good, but that doesn’t mean it’s over yet,” said Graven.

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COVID-19 less widespread in Oregon than in other states

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Oregon started increasing in mid-November 2023 and have continued to slightly increase since then, according to CDC data.

A peak occurred on Dec. 2, with 226 new COVID-19 hospitalizations. The majority of those hospitalized then were infected with the newest COVID-19 strain, JN.1.

JN.1 accounted for about 44% of all cases nationwide as of Dec. 23, according to the CDC. JN.1 appears to be more contagious than other recent strains but is not causing more serious illness.

COVID-19 hospitalizations and test positivity are much lower in Oregon than in most other states, but there is no clear explanation why, said Graven.

RSV hospitalizations in Oregon likely to stay lower than last year

RSV hospitalizations have increased in the past month but are not close to the record levels seen last year, CDC data shows.

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In the week of Dec. 23, the rate of RSV hospitalizations in Oregon was 1.2 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 1.8.

Some states are having equivalent waves like last year, said Graven, but he does not expect RSV rates in Oregon to reach the point they were at last year when they peaked at 4.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.

The flu season has been mild so far in Oregon

Flu hospitalizations in Oregon also have increased in the past month, but hospitalization rates are relatively mild, said Graven.

There were less than 100 new flu hospital admissions in Oregon as of Dec. 27, though CDC forecasts predicts these numbers to increase throughout January.

Sydney Wyatt covers healthcare inequities in the Mid-Willamette Valley for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions, and tips to her at SWyatt@gannett.com, (503) 399-6613, or on Twitter @sydney_elise44

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The Statesman Journal’s coverage of healthcare inequities is funded in part by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which seeks to strengthen the cultural, social, educational, and spiritual base of the Pacific Northwest through capacity-building investments in the nonprofit sector.  





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Oregon gas tax and fee hikes delayed pending November vote

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Oregon gas tax and fee hikes delayed pending November vote


Planned increases to Oregon’s gas tax, DMV fees, and payroll tax are on hold after a petition garnered enough signatures to challenge parts of a recent transportation funding bill.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the petition, led by the group No Tax Oregon, will place the issue on the November ballot.

The group, spearheaded by Republican legislators Sen. Bruce Starr and Rep. Ed Diehl, launched the campaign following Gov. Tina Kotek’s approval of the bill last November.

On Dec. 12, No Tax Oregon submitted over 190,000 signatures to the Secretary of State.

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The delay raises questions about the impact on the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and transportation funding.

On this week’s segment of Your Voice, Your Vote, KATU’s Angelica Thornton interviewed Rep. Ed Diehl and Rep. Susan McLain, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, to discuss the implications of the referendum.

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Watch the full Your Voice, Your Vote segment below or on KATU’s YouTube channel:

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J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning

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J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning


J.D. PicKell explains why Oregon-Indiana Peach Bowl rematch is perfect for Dan Lanning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Oregon Ducks’ 23-0 Orange Bowl win against the Texas Tech Red Raiders was the eventual planted seed for the soon-to-be Peach Bowl next Friday, as they will rematch the Indiana Hoosiers for a chance to go to the national title game in Miami.

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Despite losing to the Hoosiers during the regular season, the Ducks’ resilience has shone through since, making On3’s J.D. PicKell cautiously optimistic the Ducks could turn the tables on the No. 1-seeded Hoosiers.

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“That might be the greatest gift this football team could have had, in the context of this season,” PicKell said. “That loss, I think, was a big reason why you’ve seen Oregon grow and progress the way they have in this College Football Playoff.”

PicKell said Oregon’s ability to “grow” has been apparent this postseason so far.

“Very different from last year’s team, when it comes to the way they’re evolving, the kind of ball they’re playing right now in the second round of the College Football Playoff,” PicKell said. “I think a lot of Oregon’s growth, you’ve got to give credit to some of the scars they have over the course of this season.”

We’ll see if PicKell’s words hold true, but it seems the Ducks have a shot to make the postseason even more interesting.

Come next Friday, we’ll find out.

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Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for Dec. 28

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The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

1PM: 0-2-6-1

4PM: 0-2-4-1

7PM: 4-3-9-2

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10PM: 6-3-9-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
  • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

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Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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