In reality, no matter what your age, getting your annual flu shots is a major public health initiative. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of this virus and about 36,000 of this number die. Hence, senior flu prevention is especially important because of the virus’ risks to the elderly.
American Healthcare Services, Inc., a trusted source of home health services in Broadway Seattle Washington, believes that seniors in their sixties to eighties are at higher risks from the flu given that seasonal flu is already one of the most highly contagious illnesses.
Someone may touch something with flu virus such as telephones, doorknobs, or shopping cart handles then unwittingly touch their nose or mouth. In addition, people may be contagious one day before they develop any symptoms which are usually part of the problem.
Flu symptoms typically include runny or stuffy nose, fever, chills, sore throat, headache, cough, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Rarely prominent but vomiting, diarrhea and nausea may also occur at times. Usually, the flu season runs from October through February; however, it can also run into March and April as well.
You have to be ready to drink plenty of fluids and anti-viral medications to keep the influenza virus from spreading inside the body and shorten the life of the symptoms.
With about 10-20% of the US population contracts influenza annually, a flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone should get a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October if possible. It is especially important for people 65 years and older because of their high vulnerability for complications from the flu.
You should seek medical advice once you develop the flu symptoms. This is to ensure if you need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs or not. It is very important to take antiviral drugs if seriously need also to avoid serious complications.
Your elders should get pneumococcal vaccines. People from ages 65 and up should also be updated with pneumococcal vaccination to protect themselves against diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Consult your doctor for prescriptions.
As much as possible, you or your elderly loved ones should stay away from sick people especially when they are in enclosed small spaces, such as elevators and cars. Let them watch his or her hands often. Build up his/her immune system by eating well, getting lots of sleep, consuming enough fluids, and managing stress levels well.
Seniors are most likely to have immune systems that may not be able to effectively fight off the infection so it would be best to keep their body’s strength and overall health in good condition. Call American Healthcare Services, Inc. today for more information and assistance on how you can get the premier quality of home health services in Broadway Seattle Washington for your elderly loved ones!
