Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Health Authority

Flu Prevention

Protect yourself and the people you care about from the flu


Getting vaccinated is a safe, easy way to prevent seasonal flu, which can lead to severe health issues, missed workdays and even hospitalization in serious cases.

Anyone can get the flu and spread it to others, even if you feel healthy or have never had it before. Getting your seasonal flu vaccine every year does more than protect your own health. It also helps prevent the flu from spreading in your community and affecting young children, older people and people who already have chronic illnesses.

Preventing the flu is especially important now. COVID-19 continues to spread, and doctors and nurses need time and resources to care for COVID patients.

Información en Español


man holding small child

Where to get your flu vaccine

Getting your flu vaccine only takes a few minutes. Doctors’ offices and clinics are open and safe, with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Call your doctor to make an appointment, or 211 to find where you can get a flu vaccine in your area:

 

How to Avoid the Flu

Get the seasonal flu vaccine

  • The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.
  • The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
  • Check with a medical provider to see which form of the vaccine is right for you.

Learn more about flu and the flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control.

Find answers to questions about the 2023-24 flu season.

Learn about flu vaccines for people 65 and older.

 


Wash your hands

  • Washing your hands often helps protect you from germs.
  • Use soap and warm water. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can find these products in most supermarkets and drugstores.
  • If the hand sanitizer is a gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol kills the germs on your hands.

Take everyday precautions

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Stay home if you get sick.
  • Clean work and household surfaces often.
  • If you have a chronic disease or a weakened immune system, follow your health care provider’s advice for your condition.
  • Ask your family, friends and health providers to get a flu vaccination.
  • Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

Quit smoking

People who smoke get the flu more easily and get sicker from the virus. This is also true of people who breathe secondhand smoke, especially children and senior citizens.

Contact the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitnow.net/oregon.

For Providers and Local Health Departments

For Parents, Caregivers and Schools

School and Child Care Influenza Outbreak Detection and Management (Word)

Flu Fact Sheet: Symptoms, Care and Treatment

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Russian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Vietnamese

    • Related Resources

    Contact Us