Staying Healthy This Season 🍂🍁🍃

As fall approaches, flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia can pose increased health risks for older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. Vaccination and simple preventive measures can help reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

Talk with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations for:

• Influenza (flu)

• COVID-19

• RSV

• Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia)

Recommendations vary based on age, medical history, previous vaccinations, and individual risk factors.

Many senior living facilities and pharmacies can administer vaccines or coordinate on-site vaccination clinics. Contact your facility or pharmacy to ask about availability and scheduling.

Reduce Your Risk

Wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are ill. Good nutrition, hydration, sleep, and regular physical activity as tolerated also support overall health. Family and friends should avoid visiting older adults when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Recognize Illness Early

Watch for cough, congestion, fever, fatigue, body aches, or shortness of breath. In older adults, new confusion, weakness, decreased appetite, or a sudden decline in function may also be signs of illness.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if symptoms develop. Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, significant dehydration, or new or worsening confusion.

At PacWest Healthcare, we encourage patients, families, caregivers, facilities, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to work together to keep our communities healthy.

Contact your facility or pharmacy to learn about vaccination availability.

For questions about which vaccines are appropriate for you or your loved one, contact your PacWest Healthcare provider.