A Word from Our CEO

Krystin Albert, BSN RN

Flu vaccines have arrived. The staff at Franklin VNA & Hospice are preparing for the upcoming Flu Season. Our administrative staff are busy coordinating and scheduling flu clinics in the communities as well as for our patients and staff. Current patients are screened to determine if they need the vaccine or if they have received it from another organization. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated to protect not only yourselves from the Influenza virus, but also those with a weakened immune system. It is the recommendation of the CDC to get vaccinated between September-October, as it takes a couple weeks for your antibodies to develop to provide you protection. Protection lasts typically 6-8 months. Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you won’t get Influenza, but it does decrease the severity of symptoms.

Twice a year the vaccine is produced based on the strains it needs to cover as the virus changes rapidly. This year the 2024-2025 flu vaccine will be protecting us against the H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria lineage Virus. What are some of the symptoms of flu? For each person the severity of symptoms can differ based on their co morbidities, but the most common symptoms are fever, cough, tiredness, headache, body aches, and sore throat. Hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough, and maintaining social distancing from others will help to decrease the spread of the illness. Symptoms can last up to a week. Anyone with symptoms is contagious during the first 3 days of being sick. The time it takes from exposure to symptoms is usually 1-4 days. A person who is sick with the virus can shed the virus up to 24 hours prior to the first symptom. So, you could encounter someone who is infected and not even know.

Helpful tips to combat flu symptoms are to rest and listen to your body, hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids, and eat healthy when you feel up to it. Keep your germs to yourself, stay home and use over-the-counter medications for managing your symptoms. It takes time to recover, and it is not uncommon for a week or so after being ill for you still feel fatigued. Each person’s reaction to the Influenza virus is different. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Take charge today and make an appointment to receive your flu vaccine. Research when your local pharmacies are holding flu clinics. Talk to your doctor to see if the Influenza vaccine is right for you.

Remember that you have a choice, choose Franklin VNA & Hospice for your Home Care and Hospice agency.  

Franklin VNA and Hospice is always here to help you or your loved one with any of your healthcare needs. Franklin VNA and Hospice: You do have a choice. Choose Franklin VNA and Hospice.

Germ of the Month

Influenza Virus

Autumn is known for it’s cool crisp air and beautiful landscape with leaves changing colors. However, with the cool weather of fall comes the increased risk of contracting the influenza virus. The flu virus is a contagious respiratory virus that infects the upper respiratory system (throat, nose, lungs). This virus is more apt to infect those who are 65 years or older, young children, and anyone with chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart failure, diabetes, or any immunosuppressive disease. Flu A and B are the two most common strains that routinely spread annually during the fall and winter months, peaking between December and February.



Symptoms of flu A and B treatment for flu A and B viruses include fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. Ways to protect yourself from the flu include proper hand hygiene, isolating when you’re feeling ill, wearing a mask, cover your cough or sneeze, and receiving an annual flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are altered annually to combat the newest predicted strain of the flu. Protect yourself from the flu and get vaccinated!

What's Happening in September?

We may be setting up clinics at your local Blood Pressure Clinic, be sure to inquire!

Summer is wrapping up but farmers markets are up and running still! So if you're looking for fresh vegetables, meats, eggs, breads and so much more, check out these local farmers markets.

Tilton's Farmers Market every Tuesday held at 45 Sanborn Rd next to the Tilton Police Station from 3:30pm-6:30pm all summer long until October 8th. They often have a food truck there every week.

Franklin's Farmers Market every Thursday in Marceau Park on Central Street in downtown Franklin from 3pm-6pm all summer long until September 12th.

Gilmanton's Farmers Market every Sunday on the lawn of the Gilmanton Year-Round Library on Rt 140 across from Gilmanton Elementary School from 11am-2pm until October. They often have live music and a food truck every week.

Concord Farmers Market every Saturday on Capitol Street adjacent to the State House Lawn in Concord from 8:30am-12pm until October 26th.

The Market at the Weirs every Saturday at the Weirs Community Park in Laconia from 10am-1pm until October 5th. They often have live music and a food truck.

The month of September is used to observe and bring awareness about Alzheimer's Disease.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

It is a progressive neurological condition that can affect people as early as age 40 and up. While it mainly affects elderly population, the disease takes its toll just as much on family members and caregivers to these individuals. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is currently over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease.

What are the warning signs for someone who may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease?

Unusual memory loss is the biggest sign. You may also see a person having trouble with problem solving, difficulty with completing simple tasks, confusion on where they are or what time it is, withdrawing from their normal social activities, or changes in their normal mood or personality. These are only some of the signs to look for.

What should you do if you suspect Alzheimer's disease in a loved one?

Make them an appointment to see their provider for an evaluation as soon as possible. If a diagnosis is made, while there are some treatments, unfortunately there is no cure. However early detection is key to help slow the progression of the disease and gives a chance to improve the over all quality of life for your loved one through medication, clinical trials, different lifestyle interventions and supportive care.

What can you do to help? Raising awareness is crucial!

• Look into volunteering or supporting any local events around you.
• Share awareness on social media with a hashtag.
• Donate to campaigns if you are able.
• Educate yourself through webinars, conferences, or doing research.
• Become a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's disease

Source: https://mcr.health/understanding-alzheimers-disease-observing-world-alzheimers-month/

Current and Upcoming Fundraisers

Dover's Filotimo Casino has selected Franklin VNA & Hospice as a non-profit beneficiary! So far in 2024 the Rebels With A Cause charitable program has made over $13.254 million in charitable gaming donations to 434 New Hampshire charitable non-profits like Franklin VNA & Hospice. So join us on these dates whether you are a seasoned player or just looking for a fun night out! We appreciate all your support!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

With a donation of $50 you receive a custom brick in the memory of a lost loved one. The brick will be honored in the Teuscher-Wilson Hospice Garden, which is pictured at the top left. Bricks are on sale all year round and dedicated in a ceremony once a year.

 Other opportunities are open for larger donations as Diamond, Opal, and Amethyst sponsors. Please click on the link below for more information.

Staff Anniversaries & New Staff

BP Clinics, Events, and Trainings

Our Drop-In Grief Support Group

no registration needed