The flu can be very dangerous for seniors and it’s recommended that all seniors get a flu shot. But, the flu shot may not be able to prevent seniors from getting the flu or even bad colds once the weather starts to cool off and flu season starts. Home care providers can help them follow guidelines to prevent the flu.
If your senior loved one is immuno-compromised because they have a condition like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or diabetes or if they have other health conditions that make them vulnerable to catching the flu they need to be especially careful.
Some ways that seniors can prevent catching the flu include:
Wear A Mask
Even though masks are not required in most places anymore it’s still a good idea for seniors to wear a protective mask when they are in public. Masks don’t just help prevent the spread of COVID-19 they also help prevent the spread of colds and the flu. When seniors are going out socially, going to the store, or going out to run errands they should wear protective masks. It’s just a smart way to avoid becoming ill with viruses like flu that are easily transmissible.
Get Home Care
Home care makes it easier for seniors to stay well because elder care allows seniors to stay at home safely and comfortably. A senior that has home care doesn’t need to go out on their own to shop or do errands because the care provider can do those chores for them.
A care provider will also vacuum and dust regularly, mop the floor, do laundry, and clean so that the home stays free from germs. A clean and sanitary environment is important for seniors, and seniors who have mobility challenges or other challenges may need some help keeping the house clean.
Wash Hands Often
Seniors and those around them should be washing their hands frequently throughout the day. But, seniors and those around them should pay special attention to washing their hands after talking to someone or spending time around someone. Washing with good quality antibacterial soap and following the recommended procedure for washing the hands will help seniors prevent getting the flu or spreading the flu to others by accident. Anyone who visits a senior loved one during the fall and winter should wash their hands when they arrive as a courtesy to prevent spreading the flu.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is something that some people assume is not necessary anymore, but it’s actually a smart thing for anyone that has health issues or is older to continue doing. Social distance just means staying far away from someone else so that if they are sick they can’t spread that illness to you. When you are in a store, at the post office, or in a restaurant you should always try to stay at least six feet away from other people. While social distancing won’t protect seniors from all illnesses it will help protect seniors from colds and flu throughout the fall and winter.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
