As the colder months approach, so does the dreaded flu season. It's a time of the year when vigilance and care are essential, especially for multigenerational households. How do you prepare your family for flu season when everyone is obligated to look out not only for themselves but for their more at-risk young kids and senior loved ones?
Here are some practical strategies to minimize the risk of anyone in your household getting the flu. Together, we can ensure your family's health and well-being remain a top priority.
Influenza: The Basics
The influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease that spreads through the air from person to person. In multigenerational households, the flu can spread rapidly due to the proximity of family members of varying age groups. While the flu is generally unpleasant for all, it can pose serious risks and complications for senior adults and young children because their immune systems may not be as robust. Hence, understanding the flu and its potential risks is the first step to ensuring a safe and healthy household.
Flu Prevention Strategies
You can greatly reduce the risk of contracting the flu. The trick is getting everyone in the family on board.
Get Everyone Vaccinated
One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is to ensure everyone aged six months and older in the household gets their annual flu shot unless their physician recommends otherwise. Flu vaccines are specially formulated each year to combat the most prevalent strains and are particularly important for senior adults and children who are most vulnerable.
Be Diligent About Handwashing
We can't emphasize hand hygiene enough. Encourage everyone, especially your children, to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, particularly before meals and after using the restroom. Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing can also prevent the spread of the virus.
Reduce Germs at Home
A clean home is a healthy home. Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door handles, remotes, and kitchen counters. Proper ventilation in the house also aids in reducing the spread of the virus.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, paired with regular exercise, can strengthen the immune system, making it better equipped to fight off the flu. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, and quitting smoking also reduces the risk of contracting the flu.
What to Do if Someone Gets the Flu
Despite our best efforts, someone in the house might still get the flu. Recognizing flu symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue early can make a big difference. Promptly seek medical attention to get the appropriate treatment. Isolate the affected person to prevent the flu from spreading to other family members.
When caring for the sick person, ensure they get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Administer the appropriate medication as prescribed by their doctor. Continue practicing preventive measures, including rigorous hand hygiene and cleaning practices, to protect the rest of the family.
Stay Healthy With Senior Helpers Stillwater
Flu season in a multigenerational household can be a difficult time; however, with the right information, preventative strategies, and support, it can be managed effectively.
Senior Helpers Stillwater is here for you. We provide services tailored to support families, especially those with senior adults. Whether it's helping with medication reminders, providing companionship, or assisting with household chores, our caregivers are trained to provide the highest level of support to your senior loved ones during the flu season, and respite to family caregivers.
If your family lives in Bayport, North St. Paul, Forest Lake, Hugo, or Scandia, contact us at Senior Helpers Stillwater. Let's work together to protect your loved ones and ensure a healthier, safer flu season.