Cold, Flu and COVID – Staying Healthy & Looking Ahead
Northbridge Companies
The next generation of senior living - serving 18 communities in Maine, Massachusetts & New Hampshire.
In March 2020, I joined Northbridge as the Vice President of Wellness and Quality, just as the shadow of COVID-19 began to loom over the United States. Little did I know that my role would thrust me into the heart of a pandemic, demanding swift action and unwavering dedication to the health and safety of our residents and associates. I was fortunate to have dedicated operations and clinical partners as well as owners who valued the health and safety of residents and associates as we navigated Northbridge through those early months (or years) of COVID-19. As a company we learned so much about infection control and developed an extensive knowledge of what works when keeping communities safe and happy. As we enter another cold and flu season, we need to continue to be diligent about following protocols and doing all we can to prevent the spread of illness.?
The Power of Prevention: Vaccines and Beyond
Our defense against seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 lies in proactive measures. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone over six months get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to better protect against hospitalization from the variants currently circulating. The updated vaccine will also help in reducing the chances of developing longer complications we’ve seen with COVID-19. You can schedule your COVID-19 vaccine at a local Walgreens or CVS pharmacy.
Along with keeping up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, it is also important to get your yearly flu shot. This is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and the sometimes serious complications that come along with it. Getting the flu shot is something we can all do to help slow the spread of the flu and keep ourselves, our families, and the community around us protected. A flu vaccine won’t always keep you from getting sick, but it can reduce the most severe symptoms therefore reducing series illness and hospitalization.
Did you know – October is a great month to get your flu shot and COVID vaccine to prevent infection down the line.
Simple Habits, Significant Impact
In addition to getting your flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine, embracing basic preventative habits can create a robust shield against germs:
领英推荐
Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict a ‘moderate COVID-19 wave’ during the upcoming fall and winter. Similarly, the State Department of Health echoes this concern regarding the flu.
At Northbridge we take the health, welfare and safety of our residents, associates, and family members very seriously. Our communities have pre-scheduled 2023 on-site COVID-19 and Influenza vaccine clinics. In addition to vaccine clinics, Northbridge continues to screen everyone entering our communities for COVID-19, flu like symptoms or anyone who has had exposure to someone who may be ill. Anyone flagged during screening is encouraged to visit another time for the safety of our residents and associates. Northbridge continues to take prevention measures seriously with our COVID-19 Antigen Rapid testing program, enabling communities to identify and respond quickly to COVID-19 risks.
Living Well & Loving Life - Safely Together
One of the best parts about the senior living industry is watching residents move into our communities and thrive and flourish as they settle into their new home. Keeping all our residents and associates healthy means that they can participate in engaging programs, go out on fun trips and enjoy meals with friends in the dining room – that is always my goal.
As we step into the cooler months, don’t wait Get Your Shots! Together, we can embrace a season of good health, resilience, and shared prosperity.