Elder Care: Seniors and Flu Season, Taking Care of Elderly Loved Ones and Preventing Flu

The Center for Disease Control (also known as the CDC) reports that every year, more than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized because of the flu and 36,000 pass away. For elderly folks and older adults, flu season can be very serious, and in worst cases, deadly. 90% of flu-related deaths and more than ½ of all flu-related hospitalizations occur in individuals age 65 and older. Seniors in their 70's and 80's are at even higher risk than those in their 60's-immunity declines with age. This is especially important for individuals who have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung problems, or other serious conditions.

Senior Care: Getting an Annual Flu Shot

Even if you received a 2009 H1N1 seasonal vaccine, it's still a good idea to get vaccinated this year-vaccine viruses are regularly updated each year, with recipients gaining flu immunity two weeks after vaccination. For elderly individuals or elder care providers, it's best to speak with your doctor or nurse to determine the best option for your flu prevention. In general, it's worth getting vaccinated as aging can weaken your immune system, making yourself or your senior loved one more vulnerable to flu viruses.

Elder Care for Flu Symptoms

If your elderly loved one comes down with flu symptoms, they may need medical evaluation immediately, including immediate treatment with antiviral drugs.

Symptoms include chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fever.

If you're providing elder care for a parent or loved one, get them medical care promptly if you notice they have purple or blue lips (lip discoloration), chest pain or difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting and cannot keep down food or liquids, or if they show signs of dehydration, cannot urinate, feel very dizzy when standing, experience seizures, or appear confused and non-responsive.

If you're providing elder care for a family member or parent, avoid close contact with your loved one for the first few days, as he or she is most likely to spread flu virus and infection. Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer also helps prevent cold and flu from infecting others.A good elder care tip is to provide your loved one with a healthy diet to boost immunity from the flu, and keep your parent or loved one warm at all times.

Flu season runs from October to February and seniors are vulnerable to complications. Vaccination is the most important factor in senior flu prevention, and is up to 90% effective. Individuals providing elder care should be aware of the dangers the flu poses for their elderly loved ones.If you wish to learn more about elder care, flu prevention, or respite care for families, speak with an elder care provider.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this article with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS ARTICLE.

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