Stay healthy during flu season
Portland Senior Flu AwarenessAccording to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 5-20% of Americans become infected with influenza each year-more than 200,000 people infected with influenza will require hospitalization. And while most people receive the flu vaccination, the efficacy rate for this season was only 39%.
The current flu season has adversely affected millions of Americans, in Oregon especially. The Oregon Health Authority recently reclassified current Oregon flu activity from moderate to high. Many residents are feeling the effects-sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, chills, stomach troubles, and headache. And while most people feel better within a week, the flu is dangerous to seniors over 65 years old who are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia.
To stay healthy and prevent the flu, the CDC recommends :
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water. Or, sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid contact with people who may have the flu. And conversely, if you develop symptoms, limit contact with others except while seeking medical help.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue to limit spreading the virus.
- Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
Help BrightStar Care Bring Awareness to Flu Prevention!
BrightStar Care of West Portland provides a full continuum of home care services comprised of companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more to improve clients’ health and quality of life.
To learn more about our local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Portland, OR families and businesses - CLICK HERE