The cold and flu season brings many worries, especially for those living with seniors. Their health isn’t as strong as yours and they’re more vulnerable to colds and the flu. That’s why it’s important to take every precaution to keep them as healthy as possible, especially if you visit them frequently or live with them. This blog will provide all the information necessary to promote good hand hygiene among senior households and reduce the risk of cold and flu.
What Causes the Cold and Flu Season?
Various viruses cause illnesses during the cold and flu season each year. These germs spread from person to person when a sick individual coughs, sneezes or touches their nose, mouth, or eyes with an unwashed hand. The number of cold and flu cases also tends to increase in the colder months when people stay indoors more and where it's easier to pass cold and flu germs around to one another. With weaker immune systems, seniors are more vulnerable.
Fortunately, you can reduce your senior loved one’s chances of catching these viruses by practicing good hand hygiene. These practices prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses by reducing the risk of spreading germs.
How to Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene involves:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- You should also avoid touching your face, as the germs on your hands can transfer to your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Whenever it's not possible to use soap and water, a strong alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an excellent alternative for killing germs
- Disinfect surfaces of commonly touched objects such as doorknobs or remote controls.
Tips For Making Hand Hygiene Easier in Senior Households
You can make hand hygiene even more accessible in senior households by keeping multiple bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer around the home. Just the sight of the bottles would be an excellent reminder to disinfect your hands quickly. Caregivers should also remind seniors to regularly wash their hands, even between trips to the restroom.
It's also important to educate family members on the importance of good hand hygiene habits to avoid transmitting cold and flu germs to senior loved ones. Always encourage them to wash their hands when they first arrive at the home for a visit and to use hand sanitizer periodically throughout their stay.
Need Help Preventing Cold and Flu Germs in Senior Homes?
To prevent the spread of cold and flu germs in senior households, it is crucial to practice good hand hygiene. Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer can significantly reduce a senior's chance of becoming ill over the cold and flu season. If you want more information on how in-home senior care from Senior Helpers Portland West can assist during the cold and flu season, don't hesitate to contact our team today! We can also provide in-home care services around Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego.