02/15/2026
Flu Season Update for Residents and Visitors
Influenza (the flu) is currently spreading across much of the country, and activity levels are higher than usual this year. Because many of our residents are older adults or have underlying health conditions, it’s especially important that we all take a few simple precautions to keep one another safe.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms often come on quickly and may include:
Fever
Body aches
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Sore throat
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea
If you are feeling unwell, even if symptoms seem mild, please stay home and postpone your visit. Residents who feel sick should notify a nurse right away.
Who is at higher risk?
Adults age 65 and older and individuals with chronic health conditions — such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or weakened immune systems — are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu. That’s why preventing the spread within our community is so important.
When is someone contagious?
People with the flu are most contagious during the first three days of illness. However, it’s possible to spread the virus even before symptoms appear and for several days afterward.
How can we help prevent the spread?
We kindly ask everyone to:
Stay home if you are sick.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the building.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
These small actions make a big difference in protecting our neighbors.
Flu Vaccination
It is not too late to receive a flu vaccine. Vaccination can still reduce the severity of illness, even if exposure occurs.
Thank you for helping us keep Brethren Retirement Community a safe and healthy place to live, visit, and work. Taking care of one another is part of who we are. If you have any questions, please reach out to our nursing team.