Cold and Flu Prevention for Seniors and Caregivers

With the weather getting colder that means flu season is unfortunately right around the corner. While getting a cold or the flu is typically nothing more than an inconvenience, seniors are particularly vulnerable to contract a potentially serious case. For this reason, it is important for all seniors and their caregivers to take various precautions to avoid getting sick in the first place, which will in turn avoid any complications that may arise from the disease.

Here are our top recommendations for seniors and caregivers to prevent getting a cold or the flu:

1. Get the flu vaccine - The best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is by getting the annual flu vaccine. Each year the vaccine is altered to target the strain of the flu that is expected to be the most prevalent that year, so it is important to stay up to date with your shot. We recommend getting this vaccine between October - November for maximum effectiveness.
   
   
2. Wash your hands often - Throughout the course of a day our hands touch so many surfaces and then our food, face, mouth, and eyes. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a helpful tool in a pinch, but it should not replace regular hand washing.
   
   
3. Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly - On the same note, regularly disinfecting surfaces in your home is a great habit to get into. We recommend wiping down counters, doorknobs, remotes, and anything else in your home that is touched regularly and by multiple people. Don’t forget your phone - some people say that the surface of your smartphone can hold more bacteria than a public toilet seat!
   
   
4. Exercise and eat right - By living a healthy lifestyle you’re more likely to avoid getting sick at all! Make sure you’re getting active on a regular basis and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.
   
   

Of course, even the most precautious person could still find themselves coming down with a bug. In this case, it is best to take the following steps to prevent infecting those around you:

1. Stay home when you’re sick - When you’re under the weather you’re not likely to be operating at full speed, but this is another excuse to take it easy and relax as you recover.
   
   
2. Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hands - Keep your germs contained as much as possible by sneezing into the crux of your elbow, rather than your hands.
   
   
3. See your doctor for a potential prescription - If you think you may have the flu, call your doctor ASAP. You may be able to take antivirals, which would shorten the length of your illness and the severity of your symptoms.

Please note, these tips were specifically written with the common cold and flu in mind. While many of these tips will also help protect you against COVID-19, we recommend checking with your doctor for the most up-to-date prevention and treatment tips.