16 Cold and Flu Prevention Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

cold and flu prevention
Date published: 2024-10-15

Seniors and caregivers are vulnerable to the flu

Cold and flu season is upon us again. In addition, Covid-19 and RSV will also be circulating in our communities.

It’s wise to take precautions because seniors and caregivers are usually two of the most likely groups of people to get sick.

Older adults have weaker immune systems and so do most caregivers (due to lack of sleep and chronic stress).

And if you spend a lot of time together, you’re more likely to pass germs back and forth.

Even so, there’s still a lot that you can do to reduce the chances that you or your older adult will get sick and to reduce the length or severity of a cold or flu.

Basically, the goal is to boost the immune system and reduce exposure to germs.

We share 10 tips for avoiding the flu and in case you or your older adult gets sick, we’ve got 6 tips that prevent serious flu complications and ease symptoms.

Note: The tips below focus on cold and flu prevention tips. To reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19, follow CDC guidelines – wear a face mask indoors or in crowds and wash your hands. To reduce the risk of severe RSV, get the RSV vaccine.

 
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10 cold and flu prevention tips reduce risk for seniors and caregivers

1. Get the flu vaccine

Getting a flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu. It also reduces the severity of the illness and protects against complications – both especially important for seniors..

And when you get a flu shot, you reduce the risk that you’ll get sick and infect your older adult.

The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November, but experts say that it’s still useful to get the shot even if it’s later in the flu season.

2. Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and often

Frequently hand washing with regular soap is an effective way to get rid of cold and flu germs.

Using regular soap is fine because rubbing the hands together for at least 20 seconds is what eliminates germs – long enough to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. Make sure to clean under the nails, backs of hands, between fingers, and wrists.

If you can’t get to soap and water often enough, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to kill cold and flu germs.

This may be a good option for older adults who can’t easily get up to wash their hands.

3. Exercise regularly

Moderate exercise boosts the immune system and may cut down on the number of colds.

Even though caregiving doesn’t leave a lot of time for exercise and older adults may not have a lot of endurance, any amount of regular exercise will benefit the body and immune system.

4. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth

We often touch our faces without thinking, which is a common way for cold and flu germs to enter the body.

To reduce the risk of getting sick, minimize touching of the face.

5. Clean the environment to eliminate germs

Try to keep the environment as germ-free as possible. That means using disinfectant when cleaning, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.

When cleaning, pay special attention to germ hot spots like doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen and bathroom counters.

And, make sure to disinfect cleaning sponges and rags (a breeding ground for germs) by changing them frequently, soaking in bleach, microwaving for 1-2 minutes, or running through the dishwasher.

In an outside workplace, wash your hands after touching communal office spaces and regularly disinfect your own work area.

6. Sanitize your mobile devices

Something that many people forget is how dirty and germ-filled their mobile device is.

Clean it regularly with sanitizing wipes or rubbing alcohol – being careful not to wet the electronics.

7. Stay away from people who are sick

It might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: keep your distance from people who are sick.

If you need to be around a sick person, limit your contact and avoid unnecessary touching like shaking hands or hugging.

8. Avoid crowds and unnecessary travel

Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly-ventilated spaces. That increases the chance of catching a cold or flu from an infected person.

9. Drink plenty of liquids

Staying hydrated with plenty of liquids, especially plain water or hot tea, can help the body better fight off germs.

10. Get added Vitamin C through nutritious foods

Some studies have shown that a little extra Vitamin C (but not too much) can slightly reduce the duration of a cold.

It’s best to get it through food, but a supplement can also work. But first, always check with the doctor to be sure that the supplement and dose would be safe for your older adult.

 
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6 tips to prevent flu complications and ease symptoms

Despite the best efforts, people can still get sick with the flu.

Here are some tips to protect seniors from deadly complications and make symptoms more bearable.

4 Comments

  • Reply February 21, 2022

    yasyn

    thank you

    • Reply February 21, 2022

      DailyCaring

      You’re welcome! We’re glad this article is helpful.

  • Reply February 24, 2019

    Jane Woods

    The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but many distinct viruses can cause a cold. Seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May, although flu viruses are around all year. Since colds and flu are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria, antibiotics are not an effective treatment option. There is no cure for a cold, though over-the-counter medications may ease symptoms. Types of flu: Influenza A, Influenza B, Influenza C & Influenza D. You can also refer to this article which states all the necessary details about flu https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/

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