Public health officials are reporting that while flu season has begun in Oregon, influenza reports remain at moderate levels in our state. That's good news because it means we still have a chance to mitigate the kinds of heavy flu outbreaks happening in other parts of the country.
So to that end, here again are the annual reminders.
If you haven't received a flu shot yet, it's not too late. Vaccinations dramatically reduce the likelihood of getting the flu and lessen symptoms for those who do become ill. And of course, to avoid illness, practice health safety such as covering your cough and frequently washing your hands.
Just as important to keeping everyone healthy is to keep our workplace safe. I know that at the Oregon Health Authority we have a great deal of work to do, but that work will only become more difficult if people are coming into work with influenza. I encourage OHA managers to be flexible in allowing employees who are sick to be out of the workplace and for both employees and managers to contact the office of Human Resources if there are any concerns about leave time or work coverage.
For more information about how to prevent the flu and find a vaccination site near you, go to www.flu.oregon.gov. And please everyone take good care of yourselves and each other.
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