Bickford of Moline

Influenza Season 2018 Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. For most people, influenza resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications • Young children under age 5, and especially those under 2 years • Adults older than age 65 • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum • People with weakened immune systems • People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes • People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher Though the annual influenza vaccine isn't 100 percent effective, it's still your best defense against the flu. Symptoms Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include: • Fever over 100.4 F (38 C) • Aching muscles • Chills and sweats • Headache • Dry, persistent cough • Fatigue and weakness • Nasal congestion • Sore throat Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don't need to see a doctor. If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours after you first notice symptoms may reduce the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems. Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth. People with the virus are likely contagious from the day or so before symptoms first appear until about five days after symptoms begin. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. If you've had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those you've encountered before, either by having the disease or by vaccination, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity. But antibodies against flu viruses you've encountered in the past can't protect you from new influenza subtypes that can be very different immunologically from what you had before. *Source-Mayo Clinic

What a wonderful week we have had! On Monday, we had a tree trimming party with hot apple cider. Yum! Sandy and Peggy spent many hours putting up Christmas decorations and it looks beautiful! Be sure to drop by and see it. Tuesday, Ann came and played Christmas music on the piano for us. Wednesday, some of the ladies decorated gingerbread houses that we used as center pieces at our party Thursday night. We also made fudge to enjoy. We had such a nice Christmas party on Thursday. The food was delicious, I think we used every table and chair we could find to accommodate the huge crowd, and the entertainment was festive. It is such a joy to see our residents with their loved ones. Such a blessing!

Thank you to everyone who made it out to celebrate our open house celebrating 20 years! It was wonderful to spend the time with you all and celebrate the accomplishment of our anniversary! We love having you a part of Bickford family and look forward to the many years to come. Happy Holidays! Holly

I'm so proud of this team! Yesterday our very own Bickford Bees came home Champions of the Central Iowa Bean Bag Baseball World Series. What?!!! We were the first team there, and the last team to leave, and in the last inning of the championship we scored 31 points! Thank you to the countless Bickford Family Members (staff) who made it all possible, from getting people up early, serving breakfast early, loading the bus, and everything in between. Winning isn't everything but it sure was a lot of fun yesterday. 16 teams competed and some of them were from Independent Living Communities. Congratulations Team!!!! What an amazing holiday gift!

I like to keep my blogs upbeat and light, but with the holiday season upon us we are also headed into the season of Influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis and the common cold. In the elderly these illnesses can have a devastating effect on overall health. In an effort to protect your loved ones from illness I would like to remind all potential visitors to avoid visits if your are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or fever. Let's work together to keep this holiday season happy and free of illness. To all our Families and Friends, I wish you all Peace and Happiness this Holiday season!!

I like to keep my blogs upbeat and light, but with the holiday season upon us we are also headed into the season of Influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis and the common cold. In the elderly these illnesses can have a devastating effect overall health. In an effort to protect your loved ones from illness I would like to remind all potential visitors to avoid visits if your are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or fever. Let's work together to keep this holiday season happy and free of illness. To all our Families and Friends, I wish you all Peace and Happiness this Holiday season!!

Cold and Flu season is here. For the protection of our residents please do not visit if you have any signs or symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, sore thorat, fever, chills, runny nose, or body aches. We want to keep everyone healthy. Its important to get rest, increase your fluid intake and treat your symptoms so you get better and are able to visit your loved one.

Greetings. We are all decked out for the holiday season! Tree's are up and lit, and the Christmas music is playing in the background. We wish all of you a great and happy holiday season. Don't forget to spend time with those you love and slow down and smell the spices of the season. From all of us here at Bickford Cedar Falls...Blessings.