In Home Care for Seniors and the Flu Shot
Tis the season for holiday cheer! This is the time of year meant for gathering with friends and family to celebrate. With the closeness of being together and staying inside more often than in warmer seasons, comes the onset of illness and possible influenza. Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infection in the upper airway caused by the virus. Symptoms of the virus include runny nose, fever, headache, muscle pain, extreme tiredness, cough and sore throat. These symptoms can be much harder on our elderly loved ones. Now is the time to be more vigilant about frequent handwashing and finding ways to prevent sickness such as getting the flu shot.
Our senior and elderly loved ones are most affected by the upcoming flu season. With weakened immune systems, it can be difficult to fight it off quickly. The flu shot is a very effective way to prevent an illness that can have many detrimental effects on an elderly loved one’s overall health.
Every year, during the fall, a seasonal vaccine for influenza is administered to protect our senior loved ones. Scientists are required to create a new shot to combat flu season because the strains of virus can shift from year to year. The flu shot is created before the fall and winter season each year in hopes of predicting the most common strain of the virus for the upcoming season.
In addition to the vaccines being administered as a shot, there is also a mist that can be given for those who would prefer to avoid needles. The flu mist is approved for adults up to age 64. After the vaccine is given, it can take up to two weeks to build up immunity. This is why getting the vaccine is very important to do before flu season officially begins; usually in October. The flu is usually rampant in January and February, so getting the flu shot before Thanksgiving is highly recommended; especially for the elderly.
It has been discovered that adults over the age of 65 are at greatest risk of flu related complications and account for a majority of hospitalizations and even death during the peak of flu season. This is why getting the flu vaccine is so important for seniors. Influenza vaccines are a safe and effective way to stay healthy and possibly save lives.
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 314-968-2273! 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 Webster Groves provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Ladue, Affton, Clayton, Mehlville, and surrounding areas..