Hello all,
I hope everyone is safe and well. It seems that everyone I speak with lately has expressed feeling overly tired or stressed out. With everything happening this year, it’s to be expected that our emotions are running high. One more thing to keep in mind is that the flu season is around the corner. Studies show that stress can suppress your immune system making it easier for you to contract the flu. Though the flu might seem like the least of our worries after a year full of COVID-19 concerns, the flu is nothing to sneeze at (pun intended). Thousands of people become hospitalized every year with the flu. On top of that, Flu symptoms are very similar to those experienced by people that have contracted COVID-19. At Imagine we are yet to have a case of COVID-19, however we have been asking everyone in the Imagine family to monitor their symptoms daily and to contact us immediately if they experience COVID-19 related symptoms. Preventing the flu with a flu shot is the easiest way to prevent quarantine time for symptoms that might mimic COVID-19.
Kaiser members can get the a free flu shot in multiple locations in Santa Cruz County. If you are not a Kaiser member, ask your Primary Care Physician about a flu shot. Additionally, a lot of pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will also have shots available for little cost to no cost. We urge you to consider the flu shot for your safety and that of your clients and coworkers.
Here is a friendly reminder to continue taking COVID-19 precautions, such as mask wearing, social distancing and frequent handwashing in both your professional and personal activities. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like more information on how to manage stress from our Employee Assistance Program, please do not hesitate to email me.
Best,
Patty Lopez