Flu season comes around from fall to spring every year and can turn into a more serious illness for older adults. As we age, our immune systems start to wear down, increasing the risk of flu-related complications like pneumonia that may require hospitalization. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared before flu season begins.
In this guide, we’ll cover preparing for flu season including what you need to know about flu prevention, how to avoid getting the flu if a family member has it, and what to do if you get sick.
Flu season typically begins in the fall, around October, and lasts until spring, tapering off in March. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus peaks between December and February.
Research has found that colder weather can make the flu more infectious, and with people spending more time indoors and in enclosed spaces, it’s a perfect storm for spreading sickness. Since the flu can lead to serious complications for older adults, preparation and prevention is vital to staying healthy.
Staying ahead of the flu can be as simple as adopting a few new habits. Here are a few flu prevention tips to keep in mind as the season approaches.
regularly, and try to reduce your stress levels so that your immune system is as strong as possible.
The flu vaccine is covered by Original Medicare and is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu. Under Medicare Part B, your flu shot is covered at no cost to you if you go to a participating provider. Typically, this means you can get your vaccine at places like your doctor’s office, pharmacies, or clinics without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should contact your provider for details on flu shot coverage.
The CDC has three preferred flu vaccines:
However, if these aren’t available, you can get the standard flu shot.
Flu season can be particularly bad as you get older, but the vaccine helps reduce your chances of getting sick and can lessen the severity of symptoms if you do. It’s especially important when you consider that the flu increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in the first two weeks of infection for those over 65 years of age — and that risk lasts for several months after the virus has been contracted.
Since the flu can have multiple strains that mutate over time, it’s important to get a new flu shot each year. That way, your body is better equipped to deal with any changes to the virus.
If one of your family members gets the flu, you should take immediate steps to isolate them and prevent the flu from spreading further. Experts believe the flu mainly spreads when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks and gets droplets on other people and surfaces. Since the first three days of infection are also the most contagious, it’s important to act quickly.
Start by quarantining the sick person as much as possible, preferably in their own room with a separate bathroom. Limit contact with them, especially if you’re high-risk, but ensure they have plenty of food, liquids, and medicine.
To protect the rest of the household, disinfect any surfaces the sick person may have come in contact with and wash your hands frequently. Do this regularly if you’re still sharing space with them. It’s also a good idea to have the sick person wear a mask if they’re around others, and the rest of the household can do the same for added protection.
Remind others to cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sharing personal items like toiletries and utensils. If the weather allows, you could ventilate shared spaces by opening windows and using fans to increase airflow.
If you catch the flu, identifying symptoms early can help you manage them effectively. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:
While the common cold has similar symptoms, flu symptoms will typically appear more suddenly and be felt more severe.
If you think you might have the flu, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible to schedule an appointment since the flu can be more severe if you’re over 65. In the meantime, start practicing some of these at-home flu remedies.
To fight off the flu, you need to do what you can to boost your immune system. That starts with getting plenty of rest and avoiding any strenuous activities. Staying hydrated is equally important, as fluids can help soothe a sore throat and prevent dehydration, which is a common side effect of fevers.
While you may not be in the mood for a meal, you should try to eat small amounts of nutritious foods like soups, fruit and vegetables (especially ones with vitamin C), and even herbal tea or broth.
Over-the-counter medications can’t cure the flu, but they can alleviate some flu symptoms. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help fight fevers and body aches, while decongestants and cough medicine can ease runny noses and open airways.
You should check with your healthcare provider before taking any of these medications since some over-the-counter medicines may interact with prescriptions or worsen other conditions. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe you an antiviral drug, which can be particularly effective in helping older adults fight the flu, especially if taken in the first two days of sickness.
Knowing when the flu is out of your system can be tricky, especially since some symptoms stick around longer than others. Typically, the flu lasts 5 to 7 days, but recovery can take a little longer for older adults. People over 65 also tend to be contagious longer than others, so ask your doctor for advice based on how your symptoms progress.
If your condition doesn’t improve or you experience any serious symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, and dizziness/confusion, call your doctor right away.
Preparing for flu season doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember to get your flu vaccine early, practice good hygiene, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system. By staying informed on how to avoid the flu and taking proper preventive steps, you have a better chance of staying safe and healthy this flu season.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
SmartMatch does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
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