Flu Prevention & Viruses vs. Bacteria: Know the Facts!
Happy Fall! Unfortunately…. we are now getting into flu season. We wanted to break down two important issues to remember as the days get shorter and colder!
The Flu: Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. Although the symptoms can be similar, flu is much worse. A cold may drag you down a bit, but the flu can make you shudder at the very thought of getting out of bed.
Flu Facts:
- You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The viruses are killed or weakened so they cannot replicate.
- The flu vaccine takes approximately two weeks to generate protective antibodies, so for the two weeks after receiving your vaccine, practice good health habits to avoid getting the flu.
- Side effects from your vaccine are not actual flu infection but a response from your immune system to the flu germs in the vaccine. Side effects are an initial response from your immune system to the killed or weakened flu germs and are generally mild and resolve in 1-3 days. Taking pain relievers will not interfere with the vaccine and may be taken for comfort if necessary.
- Each year, the flu vaccine protects against different flu viruses. A new immunization is required each year.
Flu Prevention:
- The single most effective protection for the flu is getting the flu vaccine.
- Handwashing is an important step that helps prevent spreading the flu. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. When soap and water are not readily available. Hand sanitizer should be used.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- If you are sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
- Follow public health advice regarding illness activity in the area, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Further information can be found through the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the Chester County Health Department.
- If you are a residential living resident or team member at Tel Hai, remember to contact the Residential Living Health Services Coordinator, Sara Snyder, at ssnyder@telhai.org or 610-273-9333 ext. 2517 if you are experiencing symptoms including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Virus or Bacteria? This is a topic that causes a lot of confusion… but it doesn’t have to! Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that thrive in many different types of environments. Some varieties live in extremes of cold or heat. Others make their home in people’s intestines, where they help digest food. Most bacteria cause no harm to people, but there are exceptions. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria and require living hosts — such as people, plants or animals — to multiply. When a virus enters your body, it invades some of your cells and takes over the cell machinery, redirecting it to produce the virus.
Are Antibiotics Needed? Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.
Janet Kretchmer, RN
Infection Preventionist, Staff Education
Tel Hai Retirement Community
Brownstone- The Final Wing of StoneCroft: Oct. 2
Maple Knoll Townhomes- New Construction: Oct. 2
Maple Knoll Townhomes- New Construction: Sept. 26
Tel Hai Hosts 2018 Medicare Open Enrollment Educational Session: Oct. 3
Tel Hai Retirement Community invites the public to attend an educational session on the 2018 Medicare Open Enrollment options by trained Medicare specialist and Berks Encore volunteer John Vogel. The sessions will be held on Tuesday, October 3 at 9:30 am in the StoneCroft Center for Worship & Performing Arts, and at 2:00 pm in the Auditorium/Chapel. This event is free and open to the greater community.
Private counseling sessions are also available from 10:15 am to 12:30 pm in the StoneCroft Center for Worship & Performing Arts and from 2:45 pm to 5:00 pm in the Reflection Room, near Auditorium/Chapel. For a complimentary 10-minute private counseling meeting, a sign-up sheet will be available at the event. Please bring ID coverage and prescription list to private meetings.
Vogel will provide an update on Medicare programs and benefit changes, along with essential information on Medicare; Medicaid; Prescription Coverage; Supplemental Insurance; and Medicare Advantage Plans. Vogel is trained in Medicare/Medicaid Fraud, Social Security Benefits, and Pace/Pacenet drug coverage.
For event times hosted in the StoneCroft Center for Worship & Performing Arts, on the campus at Tel Hai, navigate to 4000 Tree Line Drive, Honey Brook. Follow Beaver Dam Road to the campus of Tel Hai, then turn onto Tree Line Drive and follow signs to StoneCroft. Parking is available adjacent to the StoneCroft commons main entrance.
For event times hosted in the Auditorium/Chapel on the campus at Tel Hai, navigate to 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook. Follow Beaver Dam Road to the campus of Tel Hai, then turn onto Tel Hai Circle.We are only 3 short miles east of Route 10 off Beaver Dam Road.
Tel Hai Retirement Community, an accredited nonprofit Life Plan Community, has provided high quality and compassionate care since 1956. The campus is located at 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA., three miles east of Route 10 off Beaver Dam Road. For more information regarding this event, please contact Judy Schweitzer, Community Life Coordinator, at jschweitzer@telhai.org or 610-273-9333, ext. 2154.
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Founded in 1956, Tel Hai Retirement Community is a non-profit, 501(c)3 Life Plan Community (formerly a continuing care retirement community) located in the rolling countryside of Chester County in Honey Brook Township. Tel Hai offers the full-continuum of aging services including residential living, personal care, personal care memory support, health care, , home care services and therapy services. Tel Hai is motivated by Christ’s love for all, and our covenant is to provide a vibrant caring community that enhances the lives of those served, including more than 850 residents and 500 team members. Tel Hai is nationally accredited by the independent Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Maple Knoll Townhomes- New Construction: Sept. 21
Maple Knoll Townhomes- New Construction: Sept. 15
Bladder Issues? Top 10 Foods to Avoid!
Irritation of the bladder and urinary incontinence is a very common problem, but that does not mean it needs to be your norm! There are many factors that can affect incontinence. Certain foods and drinks can irritate the urinary system and exacerbate your symptoms.
Be mindful when making beverage and meal choices:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Citrus foods and drink (this includes cranberry juice)
- Caffeine (soda, some teas, and coffee)
- Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy food
- Processed foods
- Raw onions
- Acidic foods
- Chocolate
- Carbonated beverages
Don’t, worry you won’t starve! Here are alternatives:
- Low acid fruits such as pears, watermelon, apricots, blueberries, and bananas
- Coffee substitutes such as cold brew coffee, KAVA (low acid instant coffee), and Pero (coffee flavored alternative)
- Sun brewed tea and non-citrus herbal tea
- Cooked onions
- Reduced acid juices
- White chocolate
- WATER!
Don’t panic, this is just a guideline! Everyone’s body reacts different to each food. Use trial and error to determine which foods increase your incontinence symptoms the most.
Remember, it’s all about moderation! If you are someone who can’t live without coffee, try to stick with one cup and avoid before a long ride or outing where there may not be restroom.
Ashley Spangler, MS, OTR/L
Outpatient Therapy Services Team Leader
Tel Hai Retirement Community