COVID or the FLU?

As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, the colder weather will soon arrive along with the flu season.  It will be important to be able to distinguish between these illnesses to help keep you and your family healthy.  Here are some frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between Influenza (flu) and COVID-19?

Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.  The key differences between flu and COVID-19 are that COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Here is a detailed list of the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

Will there be flu along with COVID-19 in the fall and winter?

While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.

Can I have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

Yes. It is possible to have the flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be.

Is COVID-19 more dangerous than the flu?

Flu and COVID-19 can both result in serious illness, including illness resulting in hospitalization or death. While there is still much to learn about COVID-19, at this time, it does seem as if COVID-19 is more deadly than seasonal influenza; however, it is too early to draw any conclusions from the current data. This may change as we learn more about the number of people who are infected who have mild illnesses.

To review more frequently asked questions about this upcoming flu season, here is a link to help you learn more:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm#anchor_1591372261934

Family Time

Staying at home while trying to “flatten the curve” has become the norm for many families. Since schools have moved online, families are now forced to reckon with the fact that they will now go from spending just a few hours of their days with each other to spending every waking moment together. Here are a few tips to help keep the family from going stir-crazy and to add structure back everyone’s lives:

1. Structure Your Days

With close quarters and daily routines disrupted, it is important to set up a system where everyone feels like they are the same page. One example would be a time that everyone eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another example could be scheduling activities throughout the week as a family that breaks up the monotony of staying inside all of the time.

3. Give Each Other Space

It can be a harsh transition from 8-9 hours together to being together 24/7. Make sure to give your loved ones enough time on their own and to give them space. If possible create spaces where everyone can congregate (think dining table or the couch) and also create spaces where people can have more independent time (think in their room or a designated corner). If space is limited, set a rotation schedule, so everyone has a chance to have alone time.

3. Give Yourself a Break

Everyone is going to deal with the pandemic in their own way. Give yourself patience and grace as you are adjusting to the changes, and give your loved ones the patience they need too. 

If you are interested in reading more about what you can do to make family time easier, here are a few more links that you can access:


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/the-family-lockdown-guide-how-to-emotionally-prepare-for-coronavirus-quarantine

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/protect-your-familys-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

Mental Health Check

Managing Stress during COVID-19

Whether you are an essential worker still being called into your line of duty or if you have been staying at home due to layoffs or work from home orders, COVID-19 has been taking a toll on all of us. During this challenging time, many of us are looking for resources to manage our stress and mental health. Here, we will be sharing a few resources that may be helpful for you during this time.

Take the situation day by day.

With everything constantly changing and shifting, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what the future may hold. In this situation, it is best to take each experience at a time and each day at a time. This means to live in the moment and focus on what is right in front of you; what do you need to do this second, this minute, this hour, today?

Follow healthy daily routines as much as possible.

When life is swirling around in chaos, it can be difficult to feel in control of your situation. It may be helpful for you to keep a daily schedule to spell out the things you are going to do for the day and when you will do them. Even if you are staying inside for the majority of the day, that does not mean you can put a bit of structure in your day to day life.

Take time for yourself.

Managing stress is just as mental as it is physical. Take some time out of your day to spend it with yourself. Calm.com is providing free resources during COVID-19 has wonderful guided meditations that can help you take some tension off of your shoulders.

Manage how you consume information.

Be selective about how you consume the news. Watching too much television and reading too many articles can be stressful. Set limits on how long you consume the news each day and be careful about where you are getting your news from.

Stay connected with others, virtually!

This is the perfect time to reach out and connect with those we have not heard from in a while. Reaching out over the phone or via video chat is a great way to get social interaction without having to leave your home.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Cheap and Easy Meals to Make During Quarantine

With a statewide quarantine entering full effect (and being extended), obtaining groceries and food has become more challenging than it has ever been. Beyond groceries, we are now forced to reckon with the fact we must cook the majority of our meals by ourselves; to help alleviate the dilemma of deciding what to cook and to give everyone budget-friendly meal ideas, we have compiled a list of 5.

Check the toolkit at the bottom for links to the pages.

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Total Cook Time: 35 min

Total Ingredient Count: 8




One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Total Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Ingredient Count: 8




“Grown-Up” Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Ingredient Count: 7



Buffalo Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Ingredient Count: 8



Pulled Pork Quesadillas

Total Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Ingredient Count: 5



Here are some more recipes that are budget-friendly and time-saving!


https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/20-favorite-dirt-cheap-meals/

https://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4287/cheap-dinner-ideas/