Flu season typically begins in early October and lasts well into the spring months, so now is a good time to make sure you’re prepared to avoid getting sick.
What is the Flu?
The “flu” is short for influenza, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It typically causes mild to severe illness, but in some cases it could become fatal.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Body aches and headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chest discomfort and cough
It also can mimic common cold symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.
How the Flu Affects Older Adults
Adults aged 65 and older are considered at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Examples of serious complications include sinus and ear problems, pneumonia, worsened asthma and compromised organ health.
The flu can also have a serious impact on an older adult’s cardiovascular system. In addition to worsening chronic heart disease in patients with existing heart problems, current research indicates that the flu can significantly increase the risk of having a cardiac event occurring following infection. In fact, people infected with the flu are four times more likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke in the month after infection than an uninfected person.
Top Flu Prevention Strategies
Because of the potential for severe complications, flu prevention measures are essential. The most effective flu prevention strategies include:
- Get vaccinated. Getting a flu vaccine every year has been proven to be the most effective protection against getting the flu.
- Avoid contact with germs. While it can be difficult to completely avoid being around people who are sick, it’s important to minimize contact with someone who is coughing or sneezing. Consider wearing a mask when near others who may be sick and avoid crowded public places.
- Prioritize hygiene. Wash hands frequently and clean household surfaces often. Carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes with you when on the go. Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clear the air. When possible, open windows to bring in fresh outside air, use air purifiers indoors and consider gathering outdoors if weather permits when meeting other people.
- Stay home when sick. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to avoid spreading germs. For the flu, the CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours until symptoms are better and there’s no fever. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Strengthen your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
With more than 40 years of experience serving Metro Atlanta families, Kadan Homecare stays abreast of the latest ways to better help our clients, their families and our caregiver staff stay healthy. We provide enhanced training in preventing germ transmission, performing proper disinfecting procedures in the home and maintaining good health practices as we serve our clients. To learn more about Kadan’s award winning in-home care programs, please contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation by calling 770-396-8997 or emailing info@kadan.org.