Influenza, also known as the flu and common cold, is prevalent during the cold winter season. Even though both appear to be similar and come almost around the same period, they are different in some ways. The primary distinction between the flu and a cold is that the flu could trigger complications and has severe symptoms, especially for a senior loved one.
The flu is not as common as a cold and would require treatment as it could lead to severe complications such as sepsis or pneumonia. Another distinction is that Influenza A and Influenza B cause the flu, while more than 200 different viruses cause a cold. Examples could be adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, or enterovirus.
How Long Do People Have Colds?
Seniors living in Davidson, Mooresville, or Denver, can catch a cold which disables their daily activities. The loved ones could have difficulty when coping with the cold symptoms due to their weak immune system.
This section covers how long the cold could stay in their bodies before they can be well again. Seniors in Huntersville and Statesville must keep warm and avoid instances where they can contract the common cold. With that said, note that a common cold could last from seven to fourteen days among seniors.
However, since the immune systems of seniors are weaker, the common cold could last longer, especially during the colder months. The cold could lead to other illnesses, which is why if the cold persists, it is good to see a medical practitioner in Cornelius or Davidson if you are around this area.
How To Shorten The Symptoms Duration.
Helping seniors reduce the symptoms, duration, and effects of the cold is not straightforward since no medicine can cure a common cold. However, there are a few things that seniors and caregivers can do to reduce the duration of the symptoms. First, seniors who catch a cold should get enough rest. They should avoid social outings or activities that make them hyperactive.
If they are a smoker, they could quit reducing the common cold's effects until it subsides. They could also take over-the-counter medication for short-term relief. Caregivers should consult with the senior's doctor for advice on the medication. The doctor could recommend home remedies such as tea with lemon and honey, using a cool-mist humidifier, or gargling salt water in the mouth.
How to Avoid Spreading Common Cold To Other People.
Senior citizens in Denver and Cornelius can avoid spreading the cold to other people. by washing hands regularly. This practice gets rid of the virus on their hands before touching other people.
Caregivers should also disinfect surfaces more often, especially where a senior has taken a rest. Senior citizens should avoid sneezing or coughing directly into the air as this is how the virus will spread. They can instead find a warm, dry piece of cloth to sneeze or cough into.
Seniors who catch a cold should also avoid close contact instances with other people, such as hugging and kissing, as this will also spread the common cold quite easily.
Let Us Help Care For Your Loved Ones.
Getting the right caregiver that will take good care of your senior loved ones is not easy. The caregiver has to be a trained professional who knows how to take care of seniors and handle them well. Senior Helpers Lake Norman has the best caregivers and home care services. Whether the seniors are in Statesville, Mooresville, Cornelius, or Denver, the home care services will take good care of them. Contact us today for impeccable home care services.