Local doctors recommend flu, COVID vaccines

For some people, these viruses are an annoying and unpleasant experience, but for those over 65 years old or with certain medical conditions, flu and COVID infections can quickly become more serious.

“These infections can become very serious very quickly for certain people,” said Serra. “Just because we aren’t talking about COVID as much doesn’t mean it’s gone away. It’s still here, and people are still getting very sick.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that between 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. And according to a new CDC report, adults 65 and older have accounted for about 63% of COVID-19 hospitalizations this year. About three quarters of those adults were either not vaccinated or not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

“There are a few things you can do to lessen your chances of getting very sick from flu or COVID,” said Dr. Allen LaBerge of NorthShore Medical Group in White Salmon. “The most important is to get your flu vaccine and the new COVID booster. In fact, we’re seeing a lot of COVID activity in the area right now — we have a lot of people who are getting sick. The new booster will help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the variants that are circulating in our community.”

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older to help protect yourself, your family and your community. Even if you are pregnant, you should get the recommended vaccines to help protect yourself, and you can pass those protections on to your baby.

One Community Health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines for whole community. Call or text 541-386-6380 or visit bit.ly/3ShL4PM to schedule an appointment online. For businesses with 50 or more employees, OCH can visit your work site to provide vaccine clinics for your staff. To learn more and request a clinic visit bit.ly/3QAhUtS.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines should be free for most people with health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, OCH offers free COVID-19 vaccines through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program and reduced cost or free flu vaccines with funding from the National Center on Aging.

In addition to getting the newest vaccines, Serra and LaBerge recommend the following to keep yourself healthy this autumn and winter:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after touching surfaces in public areas or high-touch areas in your home. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Get plenty of good quality sleep and manage stress — poor sleep and stress management can weaken your immune system. OCH’s Behavioral Health team can help with sleep and stress management; call or text 541-386-6380 to schedule.

• Feed your body nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors — your immune system needs vitamins from food to stay strong. OCH is offering cooking classes for people with diabetes and chronic health problems; call or text 541-386-6380 to schedule.

• Get regular exercise and movement like walking, yoga, Zumba, or whatever activity you enjoy. Regular exercise has been shown to boost immune systems. Learn more about OCH’s free exercise classes for patients at bit.ly/3QrQi8G.

For more information about One Community Health’s programs to keep you and your family healthy this virus season, visit onecommunityhealth.org or call/text 541-386-6380.

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Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.