Take Extra Care during the Flu Season

Now that the 2018-19 flu season is in full-swing, everyone needs to follow good health habits to lessen the spread of the disease. It is especially important to be careful around the elderly, as the disease can have deadly consequences for them. If you have not already done so, it is not too late to get a flu shot, and if you have the flu or flu like symptoms, please do not visit an elderly parent or loved one until you are symptom free for 72 hours. 

The Oregon Health Authority has some tips to help decrease your chances of getting the flu or infecting someone else with the virus starting by staying home from work or school if you are sick. When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then throw it away when you are done. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer when water and soap are unavailable. They also suggest you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them. 

The flu causes mild to severe respiratory illnesses that can result in hospitalization. Each year the virus kills thousands of people and those at higher risk include adults 65 years and older, children, and pregnant women. Also anyone with a chronic medical condition or weak immune system is at higher risk for complications.

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care. Residents will have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. We look forward to meeting future residents and their families at our soon-to-open onsite Information Center. Please visit our website for details.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Once we open in the fall of this year, we promise to be one of the top senior living communities in the area. 

Source: oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/FluSeasonHasBegunGoodTimeGetVaccinated.aspx