Flu Prevention Crucial for Seniors

Seniors are especially vulnerable to the flu virus and prevention is something we take very seriously at Sun Valley Lodge.  If you visit us during flu season you will see signs on our doors asking you to avoid entering if you are exhibiting any symptoms.  Even though older adults are among the most likely to get the flu and are at much greater risk for complications from the flu, according to the U.S. Department of Health, only 64 percent of those over age 65 take the time to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine.

Mike Mankenberg, our Director of Nursing, is well familiar with combating the flu and thinks an annual flu vaccination is the best protection.  This year's seasonal flu vaccine will protect against three different viruses, including the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.  But, Mike warns that the vaccination is not the only precaution one should take to avoid getting ill.  “It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to start protecting you from the flu and that is a time when many people feel they can let their guards down.”

“Fever and body aches are the warning signs that distinguish flu from a cold.  We do not want anyone coming to work at the Lodge if they are suffering from either of these symptoms.  The problem is that people with the virus are contagious 24 to 48 hours before the symptoms appear, so they often do not know they are sick until it is too late”