VISITING ANGELS ROCKWALL, TX (214) 703-8123
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Seniors and Flu Season

Seniors and Flu Season

The flu season is upon us.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again when we all begin the process of protecting ourselves and our families from the flu bug. The flu can be a terrible inconvenience for anyone. However, it is especially troublesome for our senior loved ones. 

Seniors and their caregivers are a lot more vulnerable to the flu. And this year, it’s a double challenge due to the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19. 

You don’t want your loved ones to suffer, and neither do we! That’s why the team at Visiting Angels Rockwell, Texas is here with comprehensive guidelines to help you through it all. 

Flu – What is it, and how is it different for our seniors?

Most of us have heard about the flu our entire lives, but many people don’t know how it spreads and how it can affect our seniors. 

Flu, short for influenza, is essentially a respiratory illness. It is brought on by a virus spreading among humans and animals. Some of the most common symptoms of flu include:

  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Stiff muscles
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fever and chills
  • Digestive issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting

These are the typical flu symptoms most people experience in one way or another during flu season. For our seniors, symptoms are different and a lot more serious! 

Although seniors may experience the same symptoms, they may present differently. This can lead to a misdiagnosis. The result: a quicker spread of the disease, causing severe complications. Moreover, seniors may also experience some severe symptoms, such as:

  • Seizures
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Intense muscle pain
  • Recurring cough 
  • Recurring fever
  • Dizziness and confusion
  • Worsening of other chronic health conditions

How can it be so deadly for seniors?

If an otherwise healthy young or middle-aged person catches the flu, it will take around two weeks to recover fully. 

Unfortunately, that’s not true for our elderly loved ones, who typically have weaker immunity, which can make the flu last longer for them. In addition to the duration of the illness, other factors can cause serious complications. 

Many seniors suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, asthma, and kidney and liver issues. Catching the flu can worsen their condition.

Additionally, with flu, the risk of getting many other diseases increases for elderly patients. Some of them include bronchitis, dehydration, and organ failure.

What can you do?

You can do various things to make sure you remain healthy and protected this flu season. 

  • Exercise regularly
  • Healthy diet
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Keep your living space clean and sanitized
  • Stay hydrated

Are you feeling scared? There is no reason to be — especially when there is professional senior care service available for you right in the comfort of your home. 

Reach out to our Visiting Angels Rockwall, Texas team today to start in-home care services for your senior loved one. We can help them remain safe, healthy, and protected this flu season!

Serving Rockwall and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels ROCKWALL, TX
506 N Goliad St #200
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: (214) 703-8123

Serving Rockwall and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels ROCKWALL, TX
506 N Goliad St #200
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: (214) 703-8123