FDA Approves A New At Home Test For Both Flu And COVID

A vial of influenza vaccine next to two syringes.


The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever over-the-counter test that can detect both the flu and COVID-19.  Unfortunately, this comes just two days after the company which developed the test, Lucira Health, filed for bankruptcy.  Lucira cited the lengthy process the FDA put them through to get the final approval.  The test works by taking a nasal swab and then you receive the results in only 30 minutes.  The test is meant to be used by people 14 and over or by an adult collecting a sample by someone 2 years or older.

COVID Going On Three Years Now, We Still Need Our Booster Shots

Three vaccine bottles are shown with the words " covid-1 9 coronavirus vaccine ".


Unless you are just getting over COVID-19 (in which case you can wait three months from the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC), make sure you get your booster shots on schedule.  Other than getting all of your vaccinations, there are a few lifestyle changes which can boost your immune system.  Not smoking, not drinking excessively, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet,†according to infections disease expert Dr. Lawrence Liverornese, chairman of the department of medicine at Main Line Health System, can boost your immune system, he told AARP Bulletin.  COVID-19 can also cause other problems—older adults are six times more likely to suffer a heart attack within a week of catching the flu.  Also, make sure to get your flu shot, although do know that this is not 100% protection (there are more than 200 viruses out there, and vaccinations can’t cover every one of them).

Flu and COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations In Salinas November 2

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Make your appointment now by calling 646-4931 or 646-5050 to get your flu shot and COVID19 booster vaccination.  Alliance on Aging has teamed up with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to provide them at The HUB which is located at 236 Monterey Street in Salinas.  Bus passes and Taxi vouchers are available if transportation or parking is an issue please ask about them when you call.  They will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2.

Salinas, CA Alliance on Aging Will Host Drive-Through Senior Luncheon & Flu Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday October 5

A vial of influenza vaccine next to two syringes.


Alliance on Aging provides a lot of great services to our senior community.  Please join them on October 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church at 72 East San Joaquin Street in Salinas for a box lunch which includes a chicken sandwich, black bean and corn salad, a bag of chips, a bottle of water and a homemade cookie.  Attendees will also receive a box/bag from the Food Bank for Monterey County.  The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) will also be at the luncheon to give both flu and pneumonia vaccinations.  Reservations must be made by September 30.  Call 758-4011 or 655-1334 to reserve your spot.

Monterey, CA Get Your Flu Shot! Influenza And COVID-19 Could Be A Deadly Combination!

A vial of influenza vaccine next to two syringes.


Each year’s vaccine introduces three to four inactive strains of influenza, which spur your body to create antibodies against the actual virus.  In a four-year study from New Zealand, flu shots reduced influenza admissions by 82%!  Unfortunately, the vaccine is less effective in older people, so if you are 65 or older make sure that you ask your doctor about a Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which is four times stronger.  Ordway on Alvarado Street, CVS, Rite Aid or even Safeway pharmacy has plenty of doses—and hopefully the coronavirus vaccine is coming soon as well.

Centenarian Survives Spanish Flu, And Covid 19 Not Once, But Twice

An older woman holding a pink string in her hand.


Congratulations are in order for Angelina Friedman.  At 102 she has survived the 1918 Spanish Flu, and now COVID-19 not once, but twice!  She has also survived cancer, internal bleeding and sepsis.  Her daughter, Joanne Merola, told CNN “My invincible mother tested negative.â€Â  What an amazing story.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/us/woman-102-beat-coronavirus-again-trnd/index.html?utm_term=16069948750055f4e70f2d7fd&utm_source=cnn_Five+Things+for+Thursday%2C+December+3%2C+2020&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1606994875009&bt_ee=%2FXLAmTU9j5LWIDwN%2Bwa1GjYCXiU9cO668JTx99nhyghQrWA6tGrJ1Gvo8Og0p1%2Fn&bt_ts=1606994875009