Coronavirus - COVID-19 Vaccination
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
How to avoid COVID-19
The best way to prevent and slow down the transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus and how it spreads. The virus most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths). It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
The three most important ways to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 are to:
- wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose,
- stay at least 6 feet away from those who are not in your immediate household,
- and to avoid crowds
The CDC also recommends people avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, cover their coughs or sneezes with a tissue or elbow (not hands), clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and monitor their health daily.
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are now publically available and recommended for nearly everyone. Check out the Jackson County Public Health website for up-to-date information about where vaccination clinics can be found.
Influenza - Flu Vaccination
What is the Flu?
Influenza (flu) is a seasonal disease that can cause mild to severe illness. Most experts think flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. People can spread the flu even if they don't know they’re sick. The flu can be more serious for some people, including young children, pregnant women, older people, people with certain health conditions, and smokers. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
How to Avoid the Flu
It is recommended that you get a flu shot vaccine every year to prevent contracting the disease. Your primary care doctor and local pharmacy should be able to administer flu vaccines, though a complete list of flu vaccination locations can be found by using the Oregon Health Authority's (OAH) Flu Vaccine Finder or by calling 211 (211info.org). Flu vaccination is free with insurance, though some providers may charge an administration fee. The flu vaccine is recommended for people 6 months and older. Check with a medical provider to see which vaccine is right for you. More information can be found on the OAH Flu Prevention webpage.
Flu Shot Vaccination
