5 Ways to Minimize the Risk of the Flu if You Take Care of Your Senior Parents

Flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Common flu symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Fever
• Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea

According to research, most respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, peak during winter because the cold air destroys the immune response in the nose, leaving one vulnerable to infections. While most people with the flu usually get better after a few days, some may experience severe complications that can lead to death.

According to the CDC, seniors, particularly those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, or heart diabetes, are at an increased risk of getting influenza-related complications such as pneumonia. The good news is there are preventable measures one can take to stay safe during the flu season. They include:

Get a Flu Vaccine

Vaccination against influenza is one of the most effective ways to decrease infection risks. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for 6-months old to senior adults. The reasons why it's important to get an annual flu shot is because:

• The flu viruses keep changing. That means the vaccine must be updated from one season to another for optimum protection.
• The vaccine efficacy declines over time; hence yearly vaccine is required for the best protection.

The vaccine can be administered in two ways such as:

• Intramuscular: It is offered as an injection in the thigh or the upper arm.
• Intranasal: It is given as a spray in both nostrils.

Although the mode of administration differs, both ways are effective at protecting one against the flu.

Note: There is a regular vaccine, such as Afluria Quadrivalent, for individuals over six months, and another version, such as Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, made specifically for seniors to provide them with better protection against influenza.

Maintain Good Hand Hygiene

Hands can pick up germs from contaminated surfaces easily. In the absence of clean running water and soap or an alcohol-based hand gel, the germs can spread from one individual to another and make people sick.

Sticking to a good hand hygiene routine is one of the best ways to prevent illnesses and spreading infections to others.

Avoid Crowded Areas

Influenza is airborne. Breathing in the air from an infected individual, especially when talking, sneezing, or coughing can make one sick. Family members taking care of seniors should avoid crowded areas during the flu season for their safety and the seniors'.

Stick to a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in leafy greens such as spinach and kale and fruits such as oranges can help boost the immune system, especially when one has the flu. Also, plenty of fluids helps one stay hydrated to replace the fluids that may be lost when they have a fever.

Get a Humidifier

During the influenza season, the air tends to be cold and dry. That means microbes can easily settle because they travel better in dry air. According to a study, humidifiers work by increasing indoor relative humidity to the ideal range of 40% to 60% hence controlling the flu viruses.

Get Professional Help

Taking care of a senior loved one in Yardley gives one a sense of purpose and responsibility. However, sometimes it can also be overwhelming. At Senior Helpers Yardley, we understand the challenges that come with senior care and are here to help. We are the premier in-home care provider throughout Southampton, Bensalem, and Langhorne.

Our services are personalized, and they range from companion care to specialized care for senior loved ones with chronic diseases such as Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Contact Senior Helpers Yardley today for more details.