Choosing A Healthier Life

Preventing The Flu In The Elderly: What You Can Do

The flu can be very dangerous in the young and in the elderly, and in anyone that has poor immunity and cannot fight off illness. In the elderly, the flu can cause other issues and the combination of medications already being taken, along with new medications to fight off the flu, can be dangerous and could land the person in the hospital or worse. To help prevent the flu in the elderly there are things that can be done. Read on for helpful tips and information.

Get The Flu Shot

Those that are elderly and those that are very young should all get the flu shot. The flu shot isn't always completely accurate in preventing the flu, but it can lessen the symptoms of the flu and protect the individual from getting the worst symptoms of the flu. The flu shot can be given by your family physician or can be received from your local hospital or pharmacy that offers this service. The flu shot is typically covered by your health insurance, but you can check with your insurance carrier beforehand.

Wash Hands Often

Washing your hands can prevent a lot of bacteria and germs from getting into the body. Wash your hands before eating any meals and after arriving back home from being out and about. You will touch a lot of things that other people have touched and chances are good that there are people that were sick touching those same things you just touched. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and make sure that you wash for at least a full minute. Pay attention to the back of the hands as well as the fingertips.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water is good for the entire body, but it can be helpful in preventing the flu as well. Water will wash the toxins from the body and can thin out mucus, which can help prevent nausea as it drains down your throat and into the stomach. Drinking water throughout the day can also help prevent dehydration, especially if you are coughing. Dehydration in an elderly person can be very dangerous and should be prevented if at all possible. 

Preventing the flu in the elderly is important. If you are elderly, or if someone you love is elderly, do your best to prevent the flu and keep healthy. If you or the elderly person you love has the flu, get to a medical clinic for more information.