The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 50 and 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations are adults over 65. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends prevention as the best medicine. Since seniors are particularly susceptible to the flu, and the consequences can be more severe and potentially deadly, Golden Heart In Home Care Agency encourages seniors and their caregivers to take precautions to avoid getting the flu.
Golden Heart In Home Care Agency offers these flu-prevention tips to seniors and anyone who comes in contact with seniors on a regular basis. Family members, friends and in home care agency caregivers should consider following the following procedures, especially during the colder months when flu season is at its peak:
- Get a flu shot each year.
- Wash your hands often.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Exercise and stay active.
- Keep stress levels low.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Taking these simple preventative steps will help bolster the immune system and prevent contraction of the flu, as well as other communicable illnesses.
