Even though we are well into flu
season, it is not too late to get a flu vaccination if you have not done so
already. While the flu season is from
October to May, most incidences occur in late December to early March. Doctors recommend getting the vaccination
once it becomes available, which is usually sometime in September, but say if
you haven’t done it yet, do it now. The
vaccine takes approximately two weeks to work so you would still be protected
during the worst of the season.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age
and older. For this flu season, they
advise you get a flu shot, not the nasal spray flu vaccine because of concerns
regarding its effectiveness. Symptoms of
the flu include a fever, cough, aches, and fatigue, and among those that get it,
hundreds of thousands are hospitalized every year. Figures on how many people die each year from
the flu varies and the CDC reports that “influenza-associated deaths in the
United States ranged from a low of 12,000 (during 2011-2012) to a high of
56,000 (during 2012-2013).”
We know that people are contagious for
up to a day before they begin to experience any symptoms, which is why the
disease is so easily spread. However at MorningStar,
we take steps to protect the health of our residents. Since complete containment of the illness is
next to impossible, especially in community
living, we strongly urge our resident’s families to have their loved one
immunized.
In addition we advise that when
visiting and spending time with a senior, that you practice good hygiene habits
such as avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, or if it is you, keep
your distance. Also stay home if you are
sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash
your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
MorningStar
Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior
living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to
invest.” Our foundation is built on
honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to
serve. We are dedicated to providing a
true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule
a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living
communities.
Source:
cdc.gov/flu/pdf/matte/nivw-vaccination.pdf
