Are you ready for the flu season? As the calendar turns and the cooler weather of fall sets in, it's time to start preparing for winter viruses. Today, we'll explore how seniors and their caregivers can protect themselves against the flu. From getting vaccinated and maintaining a robust immune system to keeping a healthy diet and lifestyle and scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare providers, being proactive is crucial. Prepping for flu season is not about inciting fear but about taking control of your health and staying well.
Know the Enemy
The flu or influenza, is a contagious viral respiratory illness. It can have serious implications on seniors' health due to their often weaker immune systems. By understanding its nature and how it spreads, you can better prepare for its annual arrival.
Get Vaccinated
Seniors, their caregivers, and their families should get flu vaccinations each year. These vaccines work by causing antibodies to develop in your body about two weeks after vaccination. This will protect the body against infection. Check with your local clinics and pharmacies to see if they offer the flu vaccine.
Eat and Live Healthy
A healthy diet and lifestyle form the cornerstone of a robust immune system. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet. This helps provide a wide range of nutrients needed to bolster immunity. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and quitting smoking also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. This helps strengthen your immune defenses against the flu. Seniors must talk to their doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Wash Your Hands
Hand hygiene is another crucial defense against the flu. Flu viruses can spread through touch. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can drastically reduce your risk of catching or spreading the flu.
Stock Up on Medications
While prevention is the best cure when prepping for flu season, it's equally vital to have the necessary over-the-counter medicines for treating flu symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if you can get a prescription for flu medication ahead of time. Talk to your doctor before taking any leftover prescription medication from previous seasons. Do remember that antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Influenza is a virus and therefore, doesn't improve with antibiotic use.
Get Regular Check-Ups
It's essential to schedule regular check-ups with healthcare providers. These visits help in early detection of potential health issues. They also provide an opportunity for you to discuss concerns you may have regarding the flu and its prevention.
Stay Healthy With Senior Helpers
From getting vaccinated and eating a healthy diet to maintaining good hand hygiene and scheduling regular check-ups, prepping for flu season requires taking proactive steps. This helps mitigate the risk posed by the flu on seniors and their caregivers in Westford, Tewksbury, Lowell, and Concord. Do you need help with self-care tasks, light housework, or transportation to and from important appointments? At Senior Helpers Westford, we're here to support your independent lifestyle. Our trusted in-home caregivers are ready to meet you, so contact us today for more information.