Flu & Flu Vaccines

The flu (influenza) can be severe. Almost every year, the flu makes millions of people sick, sends hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital, and causes tens of thousands of deaths. We recommend the following to protect your family and yourself from the flu:

You and your family should get vaccinated

The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is getting a flu vaccine each year. Everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine. It is best to get your vaccine before the end of October. If you can’t get it by the end of October, get it as soon as possible. Go to our respiratory virus page to see where to get a flu vaccine in Wasco and Sherman Counties.

Take preventative actions

You can prevent flu and other respiratory sicknesses by

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or with hand sanitizer and

• Covering your nose and mouth with tissue, when you cough or sneeze and

• Cleaning things you touch often that may have flu viruses on them, like countertops, handles, and railings.

If you get sick, try not to be around other people very much. Unless you need medical care, stay at home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

Take antiviral drugs if prescribed by your doctor

If you do get the flu, there are antiviral drugs to treat it. Antiviral drugs can make the symptoms milder, which will help you avoid serious complications, like pneumonia. Antiviral drugs can also shorten the time you feel sick.

The CDC recommends doctors prescribe antiviral drugs to people who are very sick from the flu, like people who are hospitalized with flu, and people with flu who have a high risk of getting very sick. Learn more about flu treatments here.