Symptoms of the Flu and In Home Senior Care
Winter weather is coming and this means that we will be spending more time indoors. Being confined inside, makes it so much easier to come down with an illness such as the common cold and possibly contract the flu.
The flu virus is highly contagious and be spread easily from person to person through a hug, a sneeze, a handshake, or even from speaking. It is possible to become infected with the virus as soon as one day before symptoms begin. After being exposed to the flu, the most common incubation period is one to four days.
The cold and flu season can make it tricky to diagnose the flu. The symptoms are fairly similar including sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, dry cough and nasal congestion. The flu mimics the cold virus but includes body chills, fever, and severe muscle aches. The flu virus does not usually include vomiting, but this is possible in children.
When infected with the flu, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and stay home to avoid other people. If your elderly loved one comes down with the flu, it is crucial that they are monitored in case of severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe vomiting. Your loved one’s doctor might want to prescribe an antiviral drug to help lessen the severity and hopefully shorted the length of time suffering with the flu.
The most effective way to combat the flu is to get a flu vaccine before the season is in full swing. Avoiding sick people and limit contact with others when sickness does strike. Covering a sneeze with the crook of the arm instead of hands is another way to prevent the spread of the flu. Frequent handwashing with soapy water will also help to fight the virus.
If you would like to learn more about the flu shot, caring and consistent in home senior care, and the many benefits of professional elderly care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to a senior care specialist today 727-210-1414! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Clearwater provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Largo, Seminole, and St. Petersburg (Including the Beaches), Florida.