Oregon Public Broadcasting

Hospitalization rates for the H1N1 virus are dropping precipitously in Oregon -- showing the worst may be over. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Since September, about 1200 patients have been hospitalized in Oregon with the swine flu. 52 people have died. 

State epidemiologist Doctor Katrina Hedberg says over the last five weeks, many fewer patients have been sent to hospital.

Katrina Hedberg: "The good news is that it looks like at least the first wave or H1N1 is gone, or going away. But it's not gone yet and it's still higher than the flu rates that we would see during a normal flu year."

Hedberg say it's still important to get vaccinated, because H1N1 is a new strain and will be around for a long time. She says there's also a lot more vaccine available now.

It's still being held for the priority population, but there should be enough for everyone in three or four weeks.

The final caveat is that the regular flu season normally starts now. But, in some parts of the world, the H1N1 virus seems to have pushed it out altogether.