Avoid the Flu!
Although familiarity can lead to contempt, the flu is not a laughing matter. Symptoms of flu include fever, headaches, sore throats, and chills. In more serious cases, complications from flu can include pneumonia, ear infections, and even the exacerbation of preexisting medical conditions. As a senior, you should take particular care to avoid the flu because you are at more risk than most people. Whether you live at home, or at in independent living community in TN, keep these tips in mind!
Get Vaccinated
First, the most important thing that you can do is get a flu vaccine as soon as they become available in your area. You need to get the flu shot on an annual basis because the flu virus is constantly evolving, meaning that it can quickly obsolete the vaccine-induced antibodies that protected against earlier strains.
Follow instructions provided by the medical professional administering the shot because a few isolated individuals can get sick from the flu vaccine. Once you get the shot, you're both protected from the flu and protecting others from the flu by ensuring that it cannot spread through you.
Adopt a Cleaning Routine
A few simple cleaning rituals should help you greatly cut down on your chances of infection. Wash your hands regularly with either soap or an alcohol-based cleaning agent. However, avoid antibiotic products because the flu virus is not susceptible to something intended to kill living organisms. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands or at least clean your hands before doing so. Finally, avoid people who have come down with the flu.
Live Healthier
You'll find it easier to avoid the flu if you are in better shape overall. It might seem cliched, but you should definitely eat healthy, drink more fluids, and get plenty of exercise on a regular basis. Furthermore, you should take steps to cut down on stress-inducing factors in your life and get a good night's sleep at the end of each day.
Get Medical Assistance
No anti-flu measure is perfect, meaning that you can still fall ill even if you take these precautions. If you do fall ill, get medical assistance as soon as possible because the flu is a serious concern for the patient at any age, but particularly so if you are a senior. Go see the doctor if you live in a senior living community in TN. Alternatively, contact the on-site personnel if you inhabit assisted living in TN.
Key Takeaways:
- Get the vaccine unless you have a medical condition that causes it to do more harm than good.
- Eat right, exercise regularly, sleep well, reduce stress, and keep clean.
- Get medical help right away if you fall ill.
Need Help?
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*Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
