The ‘Flu season’ is an annually recurring period characterized by the outbreak of influenza, (The Flu).The Flu is a nasty viral infection that hits the respiratory system, making you feel very sick. Having the flu is extremely uncomfortable and makes one uneasy because, who likes a runny nose right?
The Flu is one of the most common infectious diseases. Every flu season, about 20 to 40 million people in the US contact the flu. Although the medical field has not yet identified exactly why flu viruses are more active in the winter, colder weather is universally believed to be a primary catalyst for the start of the flu season.
The season usually occurs during the cold half of the year, specifically by the winter months. Its peak is between the months of October and February. The winter weather is known to trigger the flu to be more active. People are indoors more often at this time and are usually in close contact, this promotes transmission from person to person.
SYMPTOMS
- Fever: Usually, someone with the flu has chills and feels feverish(although not everyone with the Flu will have a fever)
- Cough: It may be a whooping cough which usually causes sharp pains in the chest area and most times, a sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose: Which is extremely uncomfortable and makes the patient uneasy and sometimes causes headaches.
- Fatigue: A person coming down with the Flu will most likely feel extremely tired, with muscle and body aches.
Anybody can contact the flu but there are certain people that are more prone to contracting the flu. These include; children younger than five years, pregnant people, people at any age with chronic medical conditions, people within the age of 65 and older.
The older adult population feel the brunt of the flu season more than the younger population of young adults and children. This is due to a number of reasons such as:
- The physiological changes that come with aging: As people age, notable physiological changes occur in the body system. One significant change is the decline in the immune system’s efficiency, known as immunosenescence. It results in a reduced ability to fight off infections.
- Pre-existing health conditions: Pre-existing health conditions significantly increases the risk of flu in older adults, chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, asthma, diabetes,among others can weaken the immune system, making it less effective to fight off infections like the flu.
- The body’s ability to produce antibodies: The response to vaccines diminishes with age, making vaccination less effective and reducing the overall effectiveness of preventive measures.
AT HOME TIPS FOR TREATING FLU IN OLDER ADULTS
Caring for older adults with the flu requires special attention to ensure their comfort and recovery. Here are some home care tips:
- Rest and Hydration: Encourage them to get plenty of rest. Flu can be exhausting, and rest helps the body fight off the virus. Ensure they stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, soups and other comfort meals.
- Comfortable Environment: Keep their living space warm and comfortable. A humidifier can help ease congestion and soothe sore throats.
- Medications: It is important to start treatment immediately when the symptoms of flu begin to occur. Vaccines and anti-viral medications come in handy for treatments.
- Hygiene: Encourage good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the flu. This includes washing of hands properly and frequently using tissues when coughing or sneezing.
- Isolation: This is sometimes difficult, but it is important to keep them away from other family members to prevent spreading the virus, especially if they live with others.
At Vitalis Healthcare, we provide compassionate home healthcare services to individuals living with or recovering from chronic illnesses or conditions. Our team of registered nurses and experienced caregivers are constantly and efficiently trained to provide the best quality care to our patients.
If you or your loved one is in need of professional home care services, contact us today!
Phone Number: 240.716.6874
Email: info@vitalishealthcare.com
Location: We provide our services in every county in the State of Maryland, United States of America.
Office Address: 8757 Georgia Avenue Suite 440 Silver Spring, MD 20910