How Seniors Can Stay Healthy & Prevent the Flu
“COVID and the flu are both respiratory illnesses that can have severe ramifications, especially for seniors. The good news is that there are simple flu prevention methods that you can use to stay healthy throughout peak flu season.”
Flu season is upon us again this year, and it’s time to think about preventive measures that can help keep you healthy all winter long. For seniors, avoiding the flu isn’t necessarily complicated. However, it is essential because, as we age, the chances of contracting a more severe form of the flu increase. And with that increased chance comes the likelihood that the flu could evolve into more severe sicknesses, such as pneumonia.
Here’s what you need to know about peak flu season, the differences between COVID and flu symptoms, and infection control techniques to help stay as healthy as possible.
When Is Peak Flu Season?
Every year, there is a certain period where the flu seems to thrive. According to the CDC, peak flu season starts in October and goes through May of the following year. However, data over the past four decades has shown that February is typically when the total case count surges.
Keep in mind that each flu season is unique. That means the severity of the illness, the duration, and the number of cases fluctuates each year. As a result, some years are worse than others, and it’s difficult to predict the exact nature of each flu season.
For seniors, contracting the flu can have serious health consequences. Severe cases of flu can lead to additional medical complications such as:
Pneumonia
Respiratory failure or distress
Sepsis
Heart attack or stroke
Organ failure
Inflammation (in the heart, brain, or muscle tissues)
Secondary infections
That’s why it’s essential to identify the signs of illness early and take preventative measures.
Symptoms & Signs: Knowing the Difference Between Flu & COVID
Unfortunately, COVID and the flu are respiratory illnesses that can have severe ramifications, especially for seniors. However, doctors know much more about the flu, which means they can treat you more effectively and help combat the disease easier than COVID.
Even with that being said, you should understand how to distinguish the difference between the two so that you can remain vigilantly proactive about protecting your health.
Based on what we know now, COVID appears to be more contagious than the flu. There are common symptoms that both illnesses share, including:
Fever or body chills
Cough
Fatigue
Sore throat
Runny nose or congestion
Vomiting
Loss of taste or smell
What tends to differ between the two is when the symptoms appear and the duration. Most people start to experience flu symptoms around one to four days after first being exposed. COVID-19 takes about five days on average but can range anywhere from two to 14 days.
Ultimately, the only tried and true way to determine the difference between the two is with a test. But, unfortunately, it can be tough to distinguish the flu from COVID, particularly during peak flu season.
How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu
The good news is that there are simple flu prevention methods that you can use to help keep you healthy throughout peak flu season.
Wash Your Hands
This may sound simple, but it’s one of the most undervalued ways to stay healthy and avoid contracting the flu. While the flu is primarily transmitted as a respiratory disease, it can also linger on hard surfaces.
If you’re out in public or sharing space with someone who has been, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Don’t have access to soap and water? An alcohol-based hand sanitizer will get the job done.
Get Your Flu Shot
The number one thing that the CDC recommends for flu prevention is to get your annual shot. Not only does the vaccine give you additional immunity against the flu, but it can also help reduce the risk of developing a severe case of the illness. So even if you do get sick, the chances will be significantly lower that you’ll be faced with severe complications.
Wear a Mask
We’re probably all sick and tired of wearing masks at this point, but now’s not the time to let your guard down. Not only are masks effective at helping reduce the spread of COVID, but they work just as well at helping prevent the spread of the flu.
According to the Mayo Clinic, masks don’t just work one way. Thanks to your mask, even if people around you aren’t wearing masks, you get an extra layer of germ protection. So wearing a mask can not only help protect you from contracting COVID but also the flu.
Clean & Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
Your hands aren’t the only things that need to be cleaned. During flu season, it’s essential to stay on top of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. This is especially true if you host visitors in your home regularly. Some examples of frequently touched surfaces include:
Doorknobs
Light switches
Bathroom fixtures (i.e., toilet, sink, faucet, etc.)
Remotes and doorbells
The flu virus can linger on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Use antimicrobial cleaners that help inhibit the regrowth of viruses and bacteria. You can find a list of CDC-recommended cleaners here.
Conclusion: Stay Happy and Healthy All Season Long with Flu Prevention Measures for Seniors
As you enter the holiday season and plan get-togethers with friends and family, you should also take flu prevention measures to ensure you stay healthy all season long. Unfortunately, it can be tough to distinguish the difference between the flu and COVID, so you should always seek medical advice or professional testing when needed.
And remember, you can use simple flu prevention methods for seniors that can help keep you healthy all flu season long.
Disclaimer: This article and its contents are intended as informational only and should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or seek emergency medical care.