Resources: Blog
Learn how Patina can help you stay healthy and protected this flu season
By Katie Maceyko, Nurse Practitioner, and Monika Downey, PhD, Senior Director of Behavioral Health
With fall and winter approaching, no one wants to miss out on holiday gatherings with family and friends because they’re sick! The colder months bring an increased risk of respiratory illness from viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. Vaccinations can provide an added layer of protection.
At Patina, we are committed to high quality, patient-led care. We take time to get to know you and understand your unique goals, values and preferences, and create care plans that focus on your total well-being and the health of those around you. There are many ways for older adults to stay healthy, independent, and vibrant all season long!
Hear directly from Katie in this short video and keep reading to get more information.
Vaccinations: A key tool for preventionWe know that vaccination is a personal choice, which is why it’s important to arm yourself with the facts. For those who chose to get the COVID and flu vaccines last year, the Centers for Disease Control reports that these individuals were better protected from getting sick and dealing with serious health complications. Vaccines not only lower your chances of catching these viruses, but also lessen the severity of illness if you do get sick and can reduce the chance of hospitalization so you can spend more healthy days at home.
Addressing vaccine concerns
Despite the benefits, we recognize some people may feel hesitant or reluctant to get vaccinated. Concerns about side effects, questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine, or simply wanting to make the best decision for themselves are all valid reasons for hesitation. Our primary care practitioners (PCPs) believe that open, honest conversations between you and your care team can help address these concerns and build trust. Your PCP should take time to understand your specific situation, hesitation, and reasons for making a choice that is best for you.
Whether you choose to get a shot this year or not, our PCP’s will work with you to stay healthy all season long – and always will respect your choices.
Stay proactive, stay protected
Our care providers encourage everyone to keep up the basic yet effective approaches to avoid getting sick. Here are some helpful tips:
- Be well by maintaining good sleep, exercise and nutrition
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wear a mask or distance yourself when people around you are sick
- Stay home when you’re not feeling well
- Call your primary care office when you experience new symptoms
Additionally, there are other vaccines such as pneumonia, shingles and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) that may be an option for you depending on your health history, risks, and preferences.
Want to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date? Perhaps you are unsure if vaccination is right for you? Patina can help!
Contact us for help finding the most convenient place to get your shot or to make an appointment to talk with a member of your Patina care team. We’re here to help you stay healthy throughout the holidays this fall and winter. Together, we can make this virus season safer for everyone!
Katie Maceyko, NP, is a Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) at Patina, which provides patient-centered care, navigation and coordination support for adults 65+ enrolled in traditional Medicare or participating Medicare Advantage plans in the Philadelphia 5-county area as well as Charlotte and the 10 surrounding counties in North and South Carolina. Read reviews from Katie's patients on Healthgrades.
Monika Downey is a licensed clinical psychologist and Behavioral Health Consultant at Patina, where she partners with patients to achieve their health-related goals by helping to navigate and manage barriers that may prevent them from living an empowered life. She enjoys helping patients tackle the challenges that often impact the aging process, such as insomnia, stress, adjustment to illness, caregiver burnout and the management of complex medical conditions.