Staying safe this winter: Flu, CPR and volunteering
Published 11:16 am Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Flu is really here
Does it seem like you have more and more friends or family coming down with the flu? It isn’t your imagination.
What’s happening? The King County respiratory illness data dashboard at tinyurl.com/Flu-is-here shows a generally rising rate of influenza (flu) for our area. Flu has been moving westward across the country, from the East Coast and Southeast where rates of infection have been very high. The Washington Department of Health has reported 39 flu-related deaths for this fall-winter season through Jan. 10. The deceased were primarily older people or people with underlying health conditions.
Masking in crowded indoor venues is a smart option for reducing risk, especially for people who are aged 65 or older, immunocompromised, or otherwise at high risk for serious disease.
What you can do: It’s still a good time to get a flu shot, as the flu season normally runs through March. The current vaccine was designed before the most recent variants were known, but it still works to reduce the risk of contracting flu and becoming severely ill. Run an air purifier if you have one to improve indoor air safety. Frequent hand-washing is always a good idea.
Antivirals: Should I take them? Antiviral medications can be very helpful in reducing the length and severity of viral infections, but they must be started within a few days of first symptoms, and they require a prescription. Vashon Pharmacy can test patients for flu and prescribe antivirals, all in one visit.
VIFR’s free CPR classes
Vashon Island Fire & Rescue has opened signups for free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes. The next class is from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 11. Adults and teens are encouraged to take a CPR class every year, to keep up with changes in protocols and to get a chance to practice on a dummy. You’ll also learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and administer naloxone, aka Narcan. Sign up for a free CPR class at vifr.org/cpr-classes.
Why we volunteer
There’s an ongoing need for new volunteers for VashonBePrepared’s various “disaster club” teams. If you have an interest in volunteering, we can help you find a match.
You can send us a note expressing your interest by emailing volunteer@vashonbeprepared.org or completing the form at vashonbeprepared.org/help-out/.
Examples of volunteer needs include administration, finance, logistics, public information, medicine, volunteer coordination, search and rescue, and IT. We asked some VashonBePrepared volunteers what brought them to volunteering, and what keeps them coming back. In their own words, here are some of the reasons they gave.
Family culture: “My parents were volunteers, so by the time I was a teen, I started volunteering with them. Volunteering has always been meaningful and rewarding for me. It helped make up for times when I had a job that was less fulfilling.”
Social connections: “When I moved to Vashon, I didn’t know anyone. I looked for a chance to volunteer at something I care about, and that led to longtime friendships and a strong feeling of inclusion in island life.”
Sense of purpose: One recent retiree said, “When I faced retirement, I was concerned about what I would do with all that time, after a long and dynamic career. Volunteering gave me a way to make positive change and be part of a team.”
Caring about my community: “I often see things that could make our community better. Volunteering gives me a way to be part of making that happen.”
Act locally: “The news was making me feel bad about the path our world is on. Volunteering has enabled me to make a positive difference with others, and feel more hopeful.”
Find out more at vashonbeprepared.org.
