How Can Visiting Angels Protect Seniors from the Flu this Winter
Find out how home care services from Visiting Angels can help seniors in Hoboken, Secaucus, Kearny, North Arlington, and the surrounding areas in New Jersey to avoid becoming ill during flu season
The vast majority of flu-related hospitalizations occur among vulnerable groups, especially adults 65 and older. Older adults' flu risk is more significant because of their weaker immune systems and susceptibility to more severe complications like pneumonia.
As healthcare costs associated with flu rise, it's more important than ever for seniors to take the proper measures to protect themselves this winter. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of a senior loved one during flu season, Visiting Angels Hoboken is here to help with home care services.
How Our Home Care Services Can Help Your Senior Loved One During Flu Season
Flu symptoms, which usually appear within two to ten days of exposure, can range from mild and annoying to severe and life-threatening.
Some of the most common flu symptoms experienced by seniors include:
- Chills
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fatigue
When is it Time to take your elderly loved one to See a Doctor?
The following symptoms can indicate your senior loved one should see a doctor immediately:
- Inability to urinate
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Inability to wake up
- Symptoms that improve and then return with fever or worse cough
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
How to Protect Seniors from the Flu and Influenza
Visiting Angels of Hoboken, NJ can provide home care services that can cater to seniors that need additional help due to sickness. There are several ways seniors and caregivers can protect themselves:
Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is recommended by most healthcare providers, including nationwide public health experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 64 percent of people over 65 have had the flu at least once in their lifetime.
Practice everyday prevention: Staying home when you're sick. If you have a fever, harsh cough, or extreme fatigue, stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Practice Personal Hygiene: Personal hygiene is a great way to avoid spreading or catching the illness.
To help your elderly loved ones stay safe, encourage the following healthy hygiene habits:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash often hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect home surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and faucet handles.
The flu can be a major concern for seniors, but with appropriate planning and home care services from Visiting Angels Hoboken, your loved one can lower the likelihood of catching the flu.