Top Flu Prevention Tips for the Elderly
Are you worried that your elderly loved one will get the flu this year? If so, there are numerous things that can be done to lower their risk of getting the flu. While there are no complete guarantees that it can be prevented, by doing these things, your elderly loved one has a much better chance of staying healthy throughout the winter.
Sleeping Well
Companion Care at Home Buffalo Grove, IL: Flu Prevention Tips
If your elderly loved one wants to prevent the flu, they need to get quality sleep. Research shows that not sleeping well puts stress on the body. It can cause immune system issues which increases the chances of getting sick. However, if you and companion care at home providers can work with your elderly loved one to create sleep habits and routines, it can improve the quality of their sleep. If they can get a good 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night – or even most nights – throughout the winter, that can lower their risk of getting the flu.
Getting the Flu Shot
It is often a good idea for elderly people to get the flu shot. They are much more likely to get moderately to severely ill from the flu than younger generations. With this being said, before you or a companion care at home provider take your elderly loved one to get the flu shot, you should have them talk to their doctor about it first. There are some health conditions that can lead to more severe side effects from the flu shot. It is crucial to make sure your elderly loved one’s doctor approves before they get this shot.
Hand-Washing
Your elderly loved one needs to wash their hands often. Germs can live just about anywhere. Some of the times that your elderly loved one should be washing their hands include:
- After getting home from a public space
- When done with their doctor’s appointments
- Before and after having visitors
- After using the bathroom
In addition to washing their hands often, it would be a good idea for you or senior care providers to sanitize the countertops in your elderly loved one’s home. Getting the germs off the countertops can help prevent your elderly loved one from getting sick.
Being Prepared
As you know, there is not a 100% guarantee that your elderly loved one won’t get the flu. In case they do get it, it is important they are prepared. You should have them stock up now on:
- Cold medicine
- Cough drops
- Heating pad
- Ice packs
- Fever reducing medication
It should also be figured out who will take care of your elderly loved one if they get sick. It may be a good idea to have someone else who gets the flu shot to take care of them. That way, if they do contract it from your elderly loved one, they are less likely to get real sick.
Conclusion
There are numerous flu prevention tips that you can use with your elderly loved one. Hopefully, the tips that are noted above, can be helpful with keeping your elderly loved one healthy throughout the winter. If your elderly loved one does get the flu, make sure they see their doctor if they get too sick.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
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