What Steps Can Seniors Take to Remain Flu-Free?

By Kevin Edwards | October 5, 2023 |

The immune system weakens with age, making it more likely to get sick with things like the flu. For seniors, getting the flu can cause serious problems. However, companion care at home providers can help seniors take important steps to decrease their risk of flu and stay healthier overall.

Continue reading to learn more.

Flu Shots Are Important

Companion Care at Home Prairie Village KS - What Steps Can Seniors Take to Remain Flu-Free? — Companion Care at Home Prairie Village KS – What Steps Can Seniors Take to Remain Flu-Free?

A yearly flu shot is one of the best ways for seniors to stay healthy and avoid getting the flu. Each flu season, the flu vaccine is made to match the most common types of the flu virus. Seniors should get the high-dose flu shot or a flu shot made just for their age group since these options offer better protection.

Better Hygiene

Good hygiene is a must if seniors want to avoid getting the flu. Companion care at home can encourage them to wash their hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face. Also, the home care team can offer suggestions for seniors dealing with sensitive skin so they won’t avoid washing their hands as often.

Companion Care at Home Aides Help With Errands

During flu season, it’s important for seniors to stay away from sick people as much as possible. This is made possible with delivery options for food and essential supplies and by using the companion care at home team to run errands.

Increased Immune System

Just because the immune system takes a hit with age doesn’t mean there aren’t things that seniors can do to enhance it. The following things can help seniors’ immunity systems:

Eating a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Staying physically fit by working out regularly.
Make sure they are well-rested by getting enough sleep.
Getting rid of stress by doing things like deep breathing and meditation.

Also, when seniors cough or sneeze, companion care at home aides can encourage them to cover their mouths and noses with a towel or their elbows. Additionally, seniors should throw away used tissues the right way and wash their hands right away.

Companion Care at Home Can Keep the Home Clean

It’s essential to ensure a clean home by cleaning the most used surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and tables, on a regular basis. This helps keep germs from spreading through the home. The home care team can assist with this to ensure seniors have the best shot at reducing their risk of flu.

If seniors think they have the flu or have symptoms that sound like the flu, they should see a doctor right away. When taken within the first 48 hours of getting sick, antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor can help lessen the severity and length of the sickness. Companion care at home can transport seniors to these appointments to ensure they get the help they need.

Seniors should take extra care to avoid getting the flu because it could lead to serious problems. By following these rules, they can reduce their chances of getting the flu and stay healthier overall. Additionally, support from companion care at home aides and their loved ones goes a long way.

Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/flu-and-older-adults
https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/seniors-guide-to-staying-healthy
https://aging.com/a-guide-to-the-seasonal-flu-for-seniors/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in the Prairie Village KS area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City, today. Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.

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Kevin Edwards

Owner at Elder Care of Kansas City

Kevin’s life and the lives of his immediate family have been impacted by caregivers – either as a patient or a caregiver - for as long as he can remember.He watched his mother take care of his grandmother until her death at the age of 97.Five years later, his father passed from a neurological disorder that was subsequently confirmed as Lewy Body Dementia.In 2007, his wife, Lori, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.The symptoms of Lori’s disease required Kevin to hire a caregiver during the periods of her relapses.

Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.

Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.

Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass Counties in Missouri as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years.

(816) 333-3322