October 7, 2022
Remember the flu? Considering that we’ve been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, it’s understandable if you’ve put influenza on your mental back burner.
The flu has not only been out of mind, but it’s also been largely out of sight. Between September 2020 and August 2021, there were a little over 2,000 cases of influenza in the US, according to the CDC. In a typical flu season, the US sees more than 200,000 cases in that same time frame. This decline was largely due to protective measures that were taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
While that’s positive news, last year’s hiatus from the flu has many experts concerned about what this year might bring. With protective measures being more relaxed and the lack of exposure to the flu during last season, we might be more susceptible to the virus when it returns. Older adults may be especially at risk.
At Carriage Court Senior Living, we all play a vital role in preventing the spread of influenza. The best way to protect yourself and prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. While all age groups over six months remain priorities for vaccination, additional emphasis this flu season will be on adults at higher risk from COVID-19 complications. This includes adults with underlying illnesses and those considered to be immunocompromised.
It is important for our residents to receive the flu shot. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits, such as reducing the risk of getting the flu, hospitalizations, and weakened immune system.
We are in this together! We are going to get vaccinated together to help prevent getting and spreading the flu as a team. The annual flu vaccine helps cut down on getting sick, missing work, or not being able to see loved ones during the holiday season.
We can help prevent the flu and stop the spread by washing our hands and covering our cough. We need to practice good hand hygiene, stay active, and include a healthy diet to support a healthier immune system.
To promote our flu clinic and increase participation from our staff and residents, we are talking about the flu and flu prevention in our meetings with staff and during residents’ Town Hall. We will be having balloons and signage out around our flu clinic, plus we will have signs promoting the flu clinic throughout our community ahead of time, to make everyone aware of the opportunity to be vaccinated.
Every one of us plays a vital role in preventing the spread of influenza. To offer protection to our residents in the most convenient manner, communities have begun planning their Annual Flu Vaccine Clinics. We are encouraging all eligible individuals to receive this year’s preventive vaccination. If you are unsure if you should receive the vaccine, please consult with your physician or healthcare provider.
Carriage Court Senior Living in Hilliard, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Dublin Methodist Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Heritage Golf Club, The Market at Hilliard, Ten Pin Bowling, Crooked Can Brewery & Center Street Market , and the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center.