INFLUENZA

Each year, we are besieged with warnings for the latest expected epidemic. A few years back, it was SARs (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).  Then we have the West Nile Virus each summer and now it is Influenza or the Flu.  Accompanying all the warnings of the “Flu Bug” was the announcement that the vaccine was in short supply and not available.

This year the supply of flu vaccine is available and our supply of the vaccine for our residents have been reserved from our supplier.  While the flu inoculation is provided, prevention is the key to avoiding the flu.

CDC defines flu as a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.  The flu is manifested by fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and possible GI symptoms.  Because our residents are highly susceptible to the flu, visitors are advised to not visit if there is any hint of illness.  The following are general tips on the prevention of the flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A serious respiratory illness such as influenza is spread by coughing and sneezing.  This is exacerbated by “unclean hands.”  The CDC advises that we utilize preventative measures to stop the spread of illness caused by the flu.

To help stop the spread of germs, CDC advises with the following:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don’t have a tissue, “cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not in your hands.”
• Put your used tissue in the wastebasket.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.

• Wash with soap and water or clean with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

“Because our residents are highly susceptible to the flu,
visitors are advised to not visit if there is any hint of illness.”
Stay indoors; drink plenty of fluids and rest!

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/flu

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

www.gramercycourt.com