We have a very difficult winter, health-wise, ahead of us.

The CDC is calling this the worst flu season in a decade with 6.2 million already infected; virulent cases of RSV have filled pediatric hospitals and COVID-19 hospitalizations in Oregon have nearly doubled over the past two weeks. 

Continue to follow common-sense precautions.

Frequent hand-washing, covering your mouth with an elbow when you cough or sneeze and wearing a mask when you feel ill not only reduces germ spread, but are important and effective ways we show care for each other as a community.

Another easy way is getting your flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines from 9 a.m.-noon this Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Melrose 004 on the McMinnville campus and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Building 2 on the Portland campus.

Finally, if you’re feeling ill, please read and follow this self-monitoring checklist.

Stay well!