10/08/2020
10/7/2020
Dear Residents and Friends,
This letter serves to inform you of the latest information regarding Covid-19 at New Franklin.
No residents or staff have tested newly positive for Covid-19 in over 60 days. There were no Covid-19 related deaths in June, July, August, and September.
We are aware that there is a recent increase of Covid-19 cases in New York City. We continue to test all staff weekly for Covid-19 and also test residents with any potential symptoms of Covid-19 as well as those residents with exposure to anyone with symptoms to identify early if a new case presents itself in the facility.
We have started our Flu prevention campaign. All residents, unless medically contra-indicated, are given the flu vaccine. All staff is offered the flu vaccine as well.
The flu season usually starts in October and lasts around six months according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, the best prevention from getting the flu is to get a vaccination.
For older adults, seasonal flu can be very serious. According to flu.gov, each year in the U.S., deaths from flu-related causes range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average of 23,600) and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu complications. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Please contact Ms. Telfort, our infection control preventionist if you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine.
We continue scheduled resident visits as allowed by the New York State Department of Health guidelines.
