FLU SEASON IS HERE SO GET PREPARED
Both Seniors and their caregivers are vulnerable to the flu, and the CDC predicts this will potentially be a very nasty flu season indeed.
Unfortunately, seniors are one of the most likely groups of people to get sick due to the fact that older adults have weaker immune systems and many chronic illnesses. Actually, so do most of their caregivers because of the chronic stress associated with being a family caregiver! And because you both spend a lot of time together, you’re more likely to pass flu germs back and forth between you.
Did you know that 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths, and 54% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations happen in people who are age 65 and older.
What you can do to reduce the chances that you and your Senior loved one will get sick? Boost your immune system with nutrition and exercise; this will reduce the length or severity of an illness if you do get the flu. Stay away from people who are sick and reduce your exposure to germs.
Visiting Angels has some helpful hints for avoiding the flu, and in case you do get sick, we’ve also got plenty of tips how to ease symptoms. Read on!
Top flu prevention tips to reduce risk for Seniors and their family caregivers:
- Get the flu vaccine for your loved one: Getting a flu shot reduces the risk of them getting the flu. It also reduces the severity of the illness and protects against complications – both of which are especially important for Seniors. Research shows Seniors who got the flu shot reduced their risk of being hospitalized due to flu by 50%.
- Get yourself a flu shot too: Reduce the risk that you’ll get sick first and then infect your loved one. Save yourself the misery of being sick yourself while caring for them.
- Get the flu shot earlier in the season: From October through November is best, but it’s still useful to get one even if it’s later in the flu season.After getting the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for the protective flu antibodies to develop in the body. So, the sooner your older adult and you get the shot, the sooner you’ll have protection against the flu.
- Flu shots are recommended for folks 65 or older, smokers, and those with diabetes or lung problems.
- Get high-dose injectable flu shots not the nasal spray version: Adults over age 65 should get either a high-dose shot or a shot made with adjuvant. Seniors need the high dose because their immune systems are weaker. That decreases their body’s ability to have a good immune response after getting the vaccine and puts them at higher risk for severe illness.
- Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and often: Frequently washing hands with regular soap is an effective way to get rid of cold and flu germs. Plain soap is fine but hand sanitizer is a good option for older adults who can’t easily get up to wash their hands. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, which is how germs enter the body. If you need to be around a sick person, limit your contact and avoid unnecessary touching like shaking hands or hugging.
- Clean the environment to eliminate germs: That means using disinfectant when cleaning, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Sanitize your mobile devices with sanitizing wipes or rubbing alcohol – be careful not to wet the electronics.
- Avoid crowds and unnecessary travel: Stay away from sick friends or relatives (even co-workers). Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly-ventilated spaces. That increases the chance of catching a cold or flu from an infected person.
- Drink plenty of liquids: Drinking plenty of liquids, soup or hot tea, even hot water with lemon helps the nasal passages stay moist and trap germs before they can spread into the body.
- Get added Vitamin C and protein through nutritious foods: Studies have shown that a little extra Vitamin C can reduce the risk of getting sick. It’s best to get it through food, but a 200 mg supplement also works – but check with the doctor to be sure that supplement would be safe for you or your Senior. Not getting enough protein can also lower the immune response, so try to add fish, eggs, or yogurt to the diet.
Contact Us: The flu shot is free under Medicare as long as the provider accepts Medicare. There is no co-insurance or co-payment needed, and you don’t have to meet a deductible to get the vaccine. Visiting Angels can provide a companion and transportation to bring you to the doctor, clinic or pharmacy for a flu shot. We can also assist in the home if your loved one contracts the flu and needs extra attention throughout the day or night. Remember also that Visiting Angels can provide respite care should YOU become ill and be unable to care for your loved one. Our caregivers and companions all know how to deal with a fever, keep you comfortable, and make chicken soup!
TILL NEXT TIME!
IRV SELDIN,JD
OWNER AND PRESIDENT, VISITING ANGELS OF THE PALM BEACHES
Article not intended as medical advice