Flu Prevention Tips for Seniors

By Jamie Shapiro | March 11, 2025 | Comments Off on Flu Prevention Tips for Seniors
Senior home care helps seniors with healthy routines and habits to reduce risks of getting the flu.

Senior home care helps seniors with healthy routines and habits to reduce risks of getting the flu.

With age, the immune system gradually deteriorates, making seniors more vulnerable to infections like the flu. For seniors, the flu can cause serious consequences such as pneumonia, hospitalization, or even long-term health problems. Fortunately, there are proactive steps that seniors can take to protect themselves from these viruses. Senior home care services can also help them maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle by introducing practical strategies and ensuring they have everything they need.

 

Explore Vaccinations With the Healthcare Team

The influenza vaccine is thought to be one of the most effective strategies to avoid the flu and its complications. The CDC recommends that seniors get vaccinated every year since the flu virus mutates.

Some vaccines, such as the high-dose flu vaccine, are expressly designed to give them additional protection. However, the choice to get vaccinated is an individual one, so seniors should talk with their medical team about their questions and concerns before deciding if it’s the right choice for them.

Senior home care can help get seniors to their appointments when transportation is an issue.

 

Focus on Proper Hand Hygiene

Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the transmission of viruses. If soap and water are not accessible, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a viable substitute. Senior home care providers can promote regular handwashing and ensure hand sanitizers are easily accessible in the house.

 

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

When coughing or sneezing, it’s important to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or an elbow to prevent germs from spreading. Additionally, used tissues should be properly disposed of, and hands should be washed afterward.

Senior home care can remind seniors to use proper coughing and sneezing techniques, as well as make sure there are tissues in the home. Caregivers can also make sure that frequently used surfaces are disinfected frequently.

 

Keep the Home Clean and Disinfected

Speaking of cleaning frequently used surfaces, senior home care can focus on things like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, which can lower the chance of virus transmission.

 

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein strengthens the immune system. At the same time, staying hydrated is also beneficial to general health. Senior home care providers come through in a big way in this situation, as they can go grocery shopping for seniors to ensure fresh fruits and vegetables are accessible, as well as help seniors create a meal plan that focuses on healthier foods. In addition, they can remind seniors to drink throughout the day, even if they aren’t thirsty.

 

Get Regular Exercise and Rest

Physical activity boosts the immune system, while adequate rest allows the body to recuperate and fight infections. Caregivers can encourage light activity, such as walking or stretching, as well as help seniors create a good night routine that helps them sleep better.

Even better? Senior home care can exercise with seniors, giving them confidence and companionship, which makes sticking to their routine easier.

 

Avoid Crowded Areas During Flu Season

Avoiding big gatherings, particularly during peak flu season, can reduce the chance of virus infection. Senior home care assists with this by running errands for seniors and helping them get online for virtual visits with family rather than seeing them in person.

 

Seniors can live a better, safer lifestyle by practicing these flu prevention techniques and relying on senior home care services. Caregivers provide critical support, ensuring that seniors are safe and well-cared for during flu season and beyond.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Evanston, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 948-0860. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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