Staying Healthy this Flu Season
The flu can be serious for everyone – but for adults 65 years and older, the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalization is particularly high. There are also other risks that may not be as obvious, such as the flu increasing the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times and stroke by 2-3 times in the first two weeks of infection for those over 65 years of age. That is why it’s important to understand ways to stay healthy this fall and winter as the flu and cold season kicks into high gear!
Click to listen to this episode:
Tune in for insights and strategies for staying healthy this flu and cold season from Registered Nurse and nationally-recognized infection prevention and control professional Sue LaGrange.
About Sue:
Susan LaGrange is the Chief Nursing Officer for Pathway Health, a leading post-acute consulting services, interim management and education company, and is responsible for the management, development, implementation and strategic direction of all clinical aspects of the company. As Chief Nursing Officer, her primary responsibilities include the planning and implementation of critical industry-leading clinical programs assisting our clients toward regulatory compliance, implementation of best practices as well as cutting-edge changes in the industry.
Sue has 30 years of long term care management experience, which included Director of Nursing Services and Consultant. She is a past president of the Wisconsin Director of Nursing Council. Sue has clinical experience in assisting facilities in resident care management, regulatory compliance, infection control and overall management of nursing operations. Sue is a nationally recognized infection control professional and is Board Certified in Infection Control. Sue brings a unique perspective to Pathway Health’s leadership team, being a licensed nursing home administrator with extensive nursing experience and her many years as a national speaker at health care conferences.
Show Notes
- The differences between Influenza and other illnesses, such as COVID-19, a common cold or a stomach bug.
- Information regarding the “flu” vaccine, timing and receiving with other vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine or booster, etc.)
- Personal strategies to stay healthy this fall and winter, especially for older adults and their caregivers.
- Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their physician or health care provider regarding vaccines and other strategies.
- Resources to support caregivers and older adults to stay healthy this fall and winter.
Episode Resources
- Influenza and Older Adults (NFID)
- Influenza: About Flu (CDC)
- Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine (CDC)
- Find Flu Vaccines (Vaccines.gov)
- Influenza (Flu): Cold Versus Flu (CDC)
- Pneumococcal Vaccination (CDC)
- Adult Immunization Schedule (CDC)
- Vaccines for COVID-19 (CDC)
- When and How to Wash Your Hands (CDC)
- Aging Naturally. The Power of Laughter