As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time for all of us to prepare for the upcoming flu season. While influenza can affect people of all ages, those 65 and older are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. But don’t worry!
There are several effective strategies you can employ to protect yourself and stay healthy throughout the flu season.
Get Your Annual Flu Shot
The single most important step you can take to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. For seniors, this is particularly crucial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 65 and older receive a high-dose flu vaccine.
These specialized vaccines, such as the Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok recombinant, or Fluad adjuvanted, are designed to give older adults a stronger immune response. Getting your flu shot early in the season is ideal, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
Many local pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the vaccine, making it convenient to get protected. Remember, while the flu shot may not always prevent illness entirely, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications. Need a lift to your doctor or local pharmacy? Give us a call.
Practice Good Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene habits is a simple yet powerful way to reduce your risk of catching the flu. Here are some key practices to incorporate into your daily routine:
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces or touching shared surfaces. · Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.. · Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.. · Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues immediately.
· Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
If keeping up with cleaning and chores around the house feels overwhelming, our in-home aids are available to help with cleaning and helping keep those pesty flu bugs away!
Boost Your Immune System
A strong immune system is your body’s best defense against the flu. Here are some ways to give your immune system a boost:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function
Some immune-boosting foods to include in your diet are:
- Red and green bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- Pineapples
- Mangos
These foods are rich in Vitamin C, which is known for its immune-enhancing properties. Our Serengeti Care nutritional experts can create a customized menu that suites your preferences and boosts your immune system. They can even lend a hand by shopping and preparing meals.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and immune function. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Get Adequate Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep habits can significantly boost your immune system and help your body fight off infections
Stay Active
Regular exercise can help strengthen your immune system. Engage in moderate activities like brisk walking, swimming, or gentle yoga. Even chair exercises can be beneficial if mobility is an issue
Minimize Exposure to the Virus
Reducing your exposure to the flu virus is an important part of staying healthy. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Avoid crowded spaces and unnecessary travel during peak flu season
- Practice social distancing when in public, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others
- Consider wearing a mask in public spaces, especially if you have underlying health conditions · Limit close contact with people who are sick
Be Aware of Flu Symptoms
Knowing the signs of flu can help you seek treatment early if you do become infected. In seniors, flu symptoms may present differently than in younger adults. Be on the lookout for:
- Fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties · Sudden worsening of a chronic health condition
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
Consider Additional Vaccinations
In addition to the flu shot, talk to your doctor about getting a pneumococcal vaccine. This can help prevent complications like pneumonia, which is a common and serious complication of the flu in older adults
Maintain a Positive Outlook
While it might seem unrelated, maintaining a positive attitude can actually boost your immune system. Engage in activities you enjoy, stay connected with friends and family, and don’t forget to laugh – it’s good for your health
As we age, our immune systems naturally become less robust, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the flu. However, by taking proactive steps to protect ourselves, we can significantly reduce our risk of getting sick.
Start by getting your annual flu shot! Practicing good hygiene, boosting your immune system, and minimizing exposure to the virus can help keep you healthy so you can enjoy all the wonderful aspects of the fall and winter seasons.
Stay vigilant, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay you!
Download our Quick Health Tips Guide: Flu Prevention
