Getting your flu vaccination has never been more important! The CDC notes that getting the flu vaccine will reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. After declining thorugh December and January, flu activity is increasing throughout the country.
If you haven't already, we strongly recommend that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. After you are vaccinated, your body takes about two weeks to develop antibodies that protect against the flu. The flu vaccination is always the best way to avoid developing the illness, and the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get the vaccine each year. The flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time.
Getting vaccinated not only helps to protect you, but it also helps to protect the people around you — especially those who are more vulnerable like babies, young children, older people, and pregnant women. For some children aged six months through eight years, two doses of the flu vaccine are needed for adequate protection.
Visit the CDC's website to learn more about the flu and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this season.
Officials strongly recommend that individuals in high-risk groups continue to wear masks in indoor public settings even after restrictions are lifted. This includes individuals who are at higher risk because they are unvaccinated; immunocompromised; have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications; are 65 or older; or who live with someone in one of those categories.
Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly throughout the day for 20 seconds at a time. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, then immediately wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer). If a tissue isn't available, use a flexed elbow.
Portland-based nonprofit Lines for Life and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support as well as resource referral to anyone who needs it, not just those who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Visit Safe + Strong Oregon for mental and emotional support information and resources as well as guidance for how to have conversations with loved ones who may be struggling.
Feeling anxious and uncertain is normal while we are coping with the COVID-19 events. However, advice and help are readily available to us. The CDC has information on coping with the anxiety and stress of the pandemic, including information for parents to help them support and reassure their children.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers useful resources. They are available Monday through Friday, 7:00-3:00pm at 1.800.950.6264.
The Hospice and Grief Support Group at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (503.215.4622) can provide arrangements for individual support with a Bereavement Counselor. If you have an urgent need you can also phone 503.215.2273 during regular business hours and ask to speak with their Triage Social Worker.
The Senior Loneliness Line (503.200.1633) is a wonderful resource. This "Warmline" offers 24/7 support, resources, and volunteers to listen to older adults experiencing loneliness, isolation, depression, and crisis support is also available.
Oregon Senior Peer Outreach, a program of Community Counseling Solutions launches “Senior Connection”, a NEW program to keep Washington County older adults connected while they shelter in place. Call 1.833.736.4676 to sign-up for this free program.
If you have mental health conditions that could be triggered during this crisis, call your county OHA Crisis Line or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline, reachable at 1.800.985.5990.
From the Oregon Attorney General's office:
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon has information on where to get food, as well as information on where your child can get daily meals within your school district. You can also contact our Food Closet at 503.641.1842, or call the Parish Office at 503.643.9528.
If you have questions about your rights for sick time, call BOLI (Bureau of Labor & Industries) at 971.673.0761.
If you're worried about quarantining in a home where you don't feel safe, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Parenting Support hotline — 1.800.422.4453
Lines for Life — 800.273.8255 or text "273TALK" to 839863
Crisis Text Line — text "HOME" to 741741
Washington County Crisis Line — 503.291.9111
Multnomah County Crisis Line — 503.988.4888 or 1.800.716.9769
Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) — 1.855.673.2372
Senior Loneliness Line — 503.200.1633
Senior Connection Calls by the Oregon Senior Peer Outreach — 1.833.736.4676
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — 1.800.950.6264
Hospice and Grief Support Group at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center — 503.215.4622
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1.800.799.7233 or text "LOVEIS" to 22522