With annual flu season looming, proactive steps go a long way in safeguarding seniors' health. This can be one of the most dangerous viruses among older adults because, over time, aging immune systems may have slowed down, making it difficult to fight off viruses and other conditions. Home Healthcare providers and caregivers can play a significant role in ensuring seniors are prepared. Vaccination continues to be the most effective preventive measure, or precautionary step, against the flu. The influenza vaccine is recommended for administration early in the season since complete protection takes approximately two weeks to establish. Consulting healthcare professionals about other potential vaccinations, such as pneumonia, COVID-19 or RSV, can further safeguard their health.

Steps to Help Avoid Infection

In addition to the vaccine, maintaining a clean and healthy home environment is another way to help keep flu viruses at bay. Home Healthcare CNAs and caregivers should regularly clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and counters. Also, seniors should be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly and often, especially before meals, after using the restroom and immediately after coming in from outside the home. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers can also be used. Caregivers can also monitor visitors coming into the home, and limit their contact, especially with those showing flu symptoms.  Wearing masks is still a good practice for protecting seniors' health further.

Home Health Services

Home Care services can be very helpful during flu season, especially if a client or loved one is feeling unwell.  Caregivers can help with basic activities of daily living such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and fluids to keep them well-nourished and hydrated. A diet rich with vitamins and minerals can help to keep their immune systems strong. Homecare professionals are also trained in identifying early signs of the flu so that treatment can be arranged without much delay. This may help to avoid any complications.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Before, During and After Flu Season

Another weapon in helping to prevent flu among seniors includes facilitating a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can be beneficial in improving the immunity of seniors and promoting overall health. Caregivers can assist with safe exercises, considering their mobility and fitness level. In addition to exercise, rest is also important. Good quality sleep is vital for maintaining the body's immune system; lack of sleep may lower the body's defense against infections. Also, encouraging techniques that reduce stress, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can contribute to boosting the immune system.

Monitor For Early Symptoms

Caregivers should keenly monitor seniors for any signs of flu. In seniors, early symptoms may include fever, body aches, headache and coughing. If any of these symptoms are detected, caregivers should immediately consult health care providers to discuss treatment options. Explaining these precautions to seniors and their families can make a big difference in safely navigating the flu season.  Get vaccinated and enjoy your Fall and Winter!

Allcare Home Health offers non-medical and skilled nursing services in the Raleigh/Durham area.  Call us for more information.  (919) 301-0236.

 

 

References

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Garbarino, S., Lanteri, P., Sannita, W. G., Bragazzi, N. L., & Scoditti, E. (2020). Circadian rhythms, sleep, immunity, and fragility in the elderly: the model of the susceptibility to infections. Frontiers in Neurology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.558417

Russell, D., Dowding, D., Trifilio, M., McDonald, M. V., Song, J., Adams, V., Ojo, M. I., Perry, E. K., & Shang, J. (2021). Individual, social, and environmental factors for infection risk among home healthcare patients: A multi‐method study. Health & Social Care in the Community, 29(3), 780–788. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13321

Soiza, R. L., Scicluna, C., & Bilal, S. (2023). Virus infections in older people. Sub-cellular Biochemistry/Subcellular Biochemistry, 149–183. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26576-1_8

Sparrow, E., Wood, J. G., Chadwick, C., Newall, A. T., Torvaldsen, S., Moen, A., & Torelli, G. (2021). Global production capacity of seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines in 2019. Vaccine, 39(3), 512–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.018