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Although the influenza virus circulates throughout the year, activity spikes during fall and winter. The severity of the illness depends on the individual, so speak to your loved one’s elderly care provider about ways to keep them safe. As the immune system becomes weaker with age, people 65 and older are more vulnerable to life-threatening flu complications, including pneumonia, heart inflammation, and organ failure. Below are suggestions to keep this from happening. 

Flu Prevention Steps for Seniors 

Wipe Down Surfaces With Disinfectant

When people with influenza cough, sneeze, or talk, moisture droplets could land on nearby surfaces. Anyone who touches the contaminated areas could contract the illness when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. To prevent this, have the elderly care provider regularly wipe down furnishings your loved one often touches with disinfectant.

Wash Hands Regularly

Berkeley-St.-Charles-St.-Louis-Missouri-elderly-careBefore family members or the elderly care provider interacts with your senior, everyone should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Beyond washing hands at home, everyone should use Purell® or another disinfectant solution after spending time in public spaces. Taking these precautions will stop people from contracting, and spreading, the illness. 

Get Your Senior a Flu Shot

During a regular checkup, make sure the physician gives your senior their yearly flu shot. The vaccine wards off common flu virus subtypes, including H3N2, H1N1, and B virus. Although flu shots are available throughout the year, the Centers for Disease Control recommends getting the vaccine in late October to increase the chance of staying healthy through flu season. Even if your senior contracts the illness, having the shot could lead to milder symptoms, avoiding dangerous complications. 

 

If you need an elderly care provider to look after your senior during flu season or any other time of the year, reach out to the staff at Deer Valley Home Health Services. Families in Missouri’s St. Louis and St. Charles counties know the professionals will provide meal preparation, medical supervision, light housekeeping, and additional home health care solutions to help aging individuals maintain their quality of life. To learn more about caregivers in Berkeley, call (314) 355-3679, connect with the St. Charles branch at (636) 493-6488, and reach the St. Louis location at (314) 773-4433. A representative is happy to discuss what your senior’s insurance will cover. Visit the home health agency online to meet the team and Facebook for tips to keep your loved one feeling great. 

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