'Tis the Season for Coughs and Sneezes

Haven’t had your flu shot yet? It’s not too late! We encourage employees and students to get their flu shot now if they have not already gotten one. You can get your flu shot at the Student and Employee Health Center, at your healthcare provider’s office, or at a local pharmacy.

In addition to the flu shot we also encourage everyone to stay up to date on their COVID vaccines. These are available through your healthcare provider’s office, or at a local pharmacy.

Need a COVID test? We have you covered. There are still plenty of COVID self-tests available around our campuses.  Please drop in to the Forest Grove Library, Human Resources, or Student Affairs to pick a test. Campus Public Safety also has test available on the Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses. If you have any trouble locating a test, please contact Amy Rasmussen.

Flu — more formally known as influenza — is a serious viral disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Flu viruses are spread by droplets when people infected with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu also is spread by touching a surface or object that has flu viruses on it. Although influenza viruses circulate year-round, flu activity peaks between December and February most years, but can last as late as May in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of communicable disease. These actions include:

• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Wear a mask when sick with cough/cold symptoms.