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The flu season in Portland, Oregon is here, and this year’s outbreak may be worse than usual, according to health experts. Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious health complications—especially for children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. While seasonal flu patterns vary by region, flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and February, with activity sometimes lasting into mid-March.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing and severity of flu seasons have fluctuated more than usual. With that unpredictability, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and others—especially if you live in or around Portland, Oregon. This guide covers everything you need to know about preventing the flu, getting your flu shot in Portland, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing when to seek help.
Influenza is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also get the flu by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Each year, the flu leads to millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths in the U.S. It’s not just a bad cold—symptoms tend to come on suddenly and can include:
High fever and chills
Body aches and fatigue
Sore throat and cough
Headaches
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)
For high-risk individuals—including those over 65, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes—the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and worsening of preexisting medical conditions.
If you're wondering when to get a flu shot in Portland, health experts recommend scheduling your vaccination by mid-October. This gives your body time to build immunity before peak flu season hits during the holidays.
In some cases, especially if you’re younger and otherwise healthy, it may be appropriate to wait until early November to extend your immunity later into the season. However, it’s better to get vaccinated early than not at all—flu shots remain effective for several months and provide significant protection, even if administered later in the season.
Get a flu vaccine, appointments are available 7 days a week or you can walk-in to our clinic. The vaccine also protects other people around you by possibly preventing you from getting it and spreading it — so you might even end up saving someone’s life. Social distancing helps against getting and transmitting the flu. Also, be sure to eat well, stay active, and get a good night’s sleep.
Getting vaccinated each year is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating flu strains, offering targeted protection.
Here’s what the flu shot does:
Even if you’re young and healthy, getting the flu shot in Portland is a community-minded action. By staying healthy, you reduce the chance of spreading the virus to someone else—potentially saving someone’s life. It is recommended to wait until mid-October or sometimes even early November to get your flu shot. That way you will get a little more protection over the holidays.
In addition to getting vaccinated, here are additional steps to minimize your risk during flu season in Portland:
Social distancing, first emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also been proven effective in slowing the spread of influenza. Small changes in your daily habits can have a big impact in reducing flu transmission.
If you're experiencing flu symptoms, it's a good idea to get a professional evaluation. At Portland Urgent Care, we offer rapid flu testing to confirm the diagnosis. If caught early—within the first 48 hours—you may be eligible for antiviral medication (such as Tamiflu) which can shorten the duration and reduce symptom severity.
Stay home if you're sick, and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after your fever subsides (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Drink fluids, rest, and monitor your symptoms. If you’re in a high-risk category or your condition worsens, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
You may need extra protection or early treatment if you fall into one of these high-risk categories:
Adults age 65 and older
If you're in any of these groups and you live in the Portland area, don't delay—schedule your flu shot in Portland as soon as possible.
Learn more about this year's flu season and who is at higher risk of having complications from the flu at Portland Urgent Care online.
Getting your flu shot is easy at Portland Urgent Care! Walk-in or Book an Appointment online now.
