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It is flu season
The first thing to remember, with our crazy weather and the fluctuating temperatures outside, we must prepare for Flu Season. Also, up to 85 percent of flu-related deaths and 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older. Another key point, our loved ones with chronic diseases are more likely to have problems during the winter months with colds and flu. Here are some great tips and suggestions to help not catch the flu.
- Staying warm – Wear appropriate clothing to not catch a chill and keep your core temperature warm.
- Getting rest – Sleep is a very important part of good health, you should try to get 7-9 hours a night.
- Staying hydrated – Drinking plenty of clear fluids will help you feel good. It won’t help your body fight the flu but it will cut back on the symptoms.
- Proper nutrition – Eat a healthy diet while increasing vitamin C and probiotics.
- Practice good hygiene – Good hygiene will cut down on the spread of germs to the rest of the household.
It often leads to a hospital stay, and sometimes it can be fatal. But this condition is easily preventable. Also, the proper steps can keep you healthy during the flu season. Dealing with this day out and being careful not to catch the flu can cause strain on you, as the caregiver. Please make sure to take care of yourself during this time. It can be difficult to attend to your loved one with the flu, but it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, you can do this. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself and keeping your business going while you are caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey, schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly.
Compelling evidence of the Flu
The most compelling evidence, the flu is a very serious illness for all of us and should not think it is a bad cold. It is important to realize, it can be even more serious and life-threatening for your aging loved one. For this reason, if you are over the age of 65 or care for someone who is, be sure to do everything you can to protect yourself from the flu. Furthermore, if you think you may have the flu, contact your health care provider right away to determine the best course of treatment. Overseeing this can cause you to stress because you can’t be in 2 places at one time: taking care of your business and taking care of your loved one. Look into hiring some help. This will allow you to get some rest and also make sure your loved one is properly cared for. Or maybe you want to spend more time with your loved one while taking a break from some of the redundant business tasks like sending out emails, returning calls, or organizing files. Let’s chat about how I can be of service to you so you can take care of your business and your loved one.
Transmission of the Flu
The transmission of the flu happens when other people are in public coughing and sneezing. Also, the transmission usually does not happen as long as you do not come in direct contact with sick people. You must stay three feet or more to prevent transmission. Secondly, the transmission also can occur through direct contact with sneezing or coughing, followed by touching the nose or mouth. While you are caring for a loved one during the winter months, try to use grocery delivery to avoid getting sick.
It is important to realize, the flu infection begins 24 hours before the onset of illness. Not to mention, adults are usually contagious until five days after onset of symptoms. Furthermore, immunocompromised individuals may carry the virus for seven days or more after the onset of symptoms.
As a result, the incubation period for influenza is one to four days, usually two days.
Symptoms of the flu
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
Sometimes older adults have stomach symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
What Other Problems Come With It?
- Pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and heart disease
To prevent catching the flu
- Get vaccinated each year, preferably by October. furthermore, vaccines are remade yearly because the viruses change.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, as well as, anyone coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often. Also, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
- Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away. Alternatively, use the upper part of your sleeve.
- Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Remember, these precautions are just as important for you as for your older family members. Finally, if you feel sick or have a fever. Stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours (without having to take medicine to reduce it). Under these circumstances, if you’re sick, limit contact with others unless you need a friend or relative to bring you medication or other supplies. Maybe hire some help to care for a loved one if you are the only caregiver.
If you or your loved one has symptoms
The first thing to remember, call the doctor as soon as possible. As a result, take an antiviral drug immediately. Important to realize, these work best if taken soon after symptoms begin. a point often overlooked, ask the doctor what symptoms require going to the ER. stay home (except to get medical care). Also, limit contact with others until symptom-free for 24 hours. Sleep, and drink fluids. Broth, water, juice, and other noncaffeinated drinks are best. Get extra support. Have someone stop by daily. Good self-care is difficult when you are not feeling good. Another key point is, that a fresh perspective and an extra pair of hands are important.
Conclusion
Also, If you are around someone who is sick, limit face-to-face time and wash your hands immediately after touching the person, their tissues, or clothing. Finally, with lots of tender loving care and lots of rest, you will feel better soon. Also, check out this post about pneumonia.
