Avoid the Flu this Winter

Have you ever had the flu? If you have, you most likely told yourself, I don’t ever want to go through this again.

Influenza, commonly called flu, is defined as any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms. Common symptoms are fever, fatigue, nausea, and aching muscles.

This virus can leave you feeling exhausted and unable to carry on with your day-to-day activities. The flu is a miserable experience for anyone who catches it; but for older adults, the flu can be more severe. Flu symptoms typically resolve after 3-7 days for the majority of people, although cough and fatigue can persist for up to two weeks, especially in older adults.

 

4 Great Ways to Help Prevent the Flu

1.) Get a Flu Shot

The very best precaution during flu season is to get your flu shot. This is something everyone can do to protect themselves and others around them, but it’s especially important for older adults. As we naturally age, our bodies produce fewer antibodies to fight against viruses like the flu. Because of these changes, many doctors offer flu shots designed for older adults. Ask your doctor about high dose flu shots if you are over the age of 65. The high dose vaccine can provide an extra boost to your immune system during flu season. It can also lower your risk of getting sick if you do get infected by between 40-60%.

If you haven’t gotten the flu shot yet, now is the time to go to your doctor or local pharmacy to get one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can take up to two weeks for your body to get the full benefits of a flu vaccine. In order to protect yourself throughout the rest of the winter season, get your flu shot as early as possible. This is the most effective way to prevent the flu.

 

2.) Practice Healthy Habits

Other than the flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene is one of the most underrated flu prevention tips. Good hygiene includes washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day. Don’t forget that viruses like the flu can survive on surfaces like public door handles and handrails. So, consider carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean, no matter where you go.

Remember to keep your hands away from your face. It can be difficult to avoid touching your face, but doing so can spread germs and viruses into your system. Consider making the following recommendations part of your daily routine.

• Keep your hands clean–Wash your hands regularly, especially if you have been out in a public place.
• Disinfect your home–Ensure you’re properly disinfecting, regularly spraying, and wiping the surfaces.
• Steer clear of anyone who is coughing or sneezing–Germs can enter your body through the air you breathe. Stay at least six feet away from anyone who is actively coughing or sneezing.
• Get enough sleep–Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep decreases the body’s ability to fight off viruses.  Studies show that people sleeping less than six hours per night are four times more likely to catch a cold or the flu than people who sleep seven or more hours per night.
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables–Help your immune system by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as they are packed with important vitamins.
• Disinfect communal surfaces immediately after use–One of the best ways to try to avoid the flu is by disinfecting high traffic surfaces as regularly as possible.

 

3.) Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an important part of flu prevention, especially for older adults. Having a well-balanced diet can naturally boost your immune system to lower your risk of getting the flu. Staying hydrated plays an important role in keeping your body healthy. You can actually increase your immunity by getting more Vitamin C.

Here’s a list of foods that are high in Vitamin C that you can easily include in your diet right away:

• Red and green bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Brussel sprouts
• Pineapples
• Mangos

 

4.) Laugh More

Have you ever heard the old saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Laughing is actually one of the easiest flu prevention tips to follow. It’s a natural reaction of living your life to the fullest. Laughing not only lowers your stress, but it has also been shown to boost our immune system by increasing the production of anti-infection antibodies and disease fighting T-cells in the blood that helps protect us from infections. So, don’t forget to laugh and enjoy life.

 

What to Do if You Catch the Flu

No matter how hard you try to stay healthy, sometimes we catch a cold or flu anyway. You can start to feel sick about 1 to 7 days after you come in contact with the virus. Most of the time, symptoms appear within 2 to 3 days.  Here are some general guidelines to follow if you have the flu:

• Rest and recover– get plenty of rest, allow your body time to fully recover.
• Stay hydrated– drink plenty of clear liquids such as water, tea, or broths. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.  These beverages can cause dehydration.
• Manage symptoms– take over the counter medications to alleviate symptoms.
• Isolate yourself– stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Avoid having other people enter the sick room. The sick person should not have visitors other than the caregiver.  If visitors must enter, they should stay at least six feet away.
• Practice good hygiene– wash your hands frequently and sanitize spaces you’ve touched.
• Seek medical advice– If your symptoms are getting worse, such as chest pain, your temperature is going up or you are coughing up yellow phlegm, call your doctor immediately. Don’t try to work through this on your own. There is the potential that you could be in the early stages of pneumonia.  Pneumonia is the most common complication of the flu.
• The CDC recommends staying home until you are fever free, without the help of fever-reducing medications, for 24 hours.

 

Stay Proactive and Beat the Winter Bug

By following these tips, you can give yourself the best chance of avoiding the flu and preventing its spread. Practice incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can help keep those flu germs at bay. If you do get sick, be sure to rest up, stay hydrated, manage your symptoms, isolate yourself, practice good hygiene, and seek medical advice if needed. Stay proactive, take care of yourself, and beat the winter bug!

 

 

For more great tips on how aging adults can prevent the flu and stay healthy, The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.