Flu season is something that seniors and their families dread. Even vaccinated seniors can get the flu, and seniors have a very high risk of getting the flu this time of the year when so many people are traveling to see their families. A 24-hour home care provider can be there to monitor their progress in recovery. In most cases, the flu just needs to run its course but there are some things that may shorten the duration or at least make the symptoms more tolerable for seniors like:
Get 24-Hour Home Care
There can be complications associated with the flu and seniors who already have health conditions that make them prone to respiratory problems need to be careful. 24-hour home care is a good idea to make sure that there is someone in the house with your senior parent around the clock just in case they have a complication. If your senior loved one needs to get emergency care because of the symptoms of the flu or a flu complication having 24-hour home care means that there will always be someone that can get them help.
Use A Humidifier
The air in the house can be very dry in the winter because of the heat and the lack of fresh air to circulate. Dust and pet dander can also contribute to very dry air. Seniors who are already having trouble breathing because of the flu may struggle harder to breathe in very dry air. A cool mist humidifier in the bedroom and living room can help moisturize the air and make it easier for seniors to breathe, especially at night. You can ask their doctor if a warm mist humidifier would be better but in most cases, a cool mist humidifier is the best option. Warm mist humidifiers can breed bacteria in some situations.
Boost The Immune System and Get Plenty Of Rest
Even if your senior loved one has already caught the flu boosting the immune system is still a good idea. A strong immune system will help the body recover faster and can help your senior loved one avoid getting any other strains of the flu or getting colds. Seniors should take vitamin C or drink orange juice fortified with calcium. Calcium can help the body better absorb vitamin C. It’s also good for seniors to have chicken bone broth or use chicken bone broth in the soup. Bone broth has essential macronutrients, minerals, and collagen that can also give the immune system a dramatic boost.
Sleep is one of the best things for seniors to do when they have the flu. Most seniors don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis. That can prolong illnesses like the flu. If your senior parent has the flu try to get them to sleep for at least eight hours at night and take a nap during the day. While it might seem like they’re sleeping an excessive amount of extra sleep will do wonders for their body’s ability to get over the flu.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Columbia MD please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258
A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.
Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.
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