Flu season poses a significant health risk each year, especially for older adults. Seniors aged 65 or older have a greater risk of developing serious flu symptoms due to decreased immune defenses as they age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that this age group represents between 50% and 70% of flu-related hospitalizations in recent years.
This figure highlights the increased vulnerability of seniors, particularly those in senior living communities. However, you can protect yourself during flu season with practical prevention tips from Brandermill Woods, an Independent Living Community near Richmond, VA. Protecting residents during flu season is a top priority. At Brandermill Woods, we ensure you have the resources and support you need to stay healthy.
Heightened Vulnerability
Seniors face a higher risk during flu season due to several factors tied to the aging process. A weakened immune system is a primary factor. As you age, your body’s natural defenses become less effective at fighting infections, making it harder for you to resist illnesses like the flu.
Older adults with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues, have an even higher susceptibility to catching the flu. These conditions also increase the risk of severe complications like pneumonia, and the flu can exacerbate existing health issues.
Other age-related changes, like reduced lung capacity and slower healing processes, can make recovery more difficult and prolong the impact of having the flu. For those in senior living communities, proximity to others can increase your chance of exposure, which is why Brandermill Woods takes precautions to protect residents.
Flu Prevention Among Visitors
The winter season is the peak season for the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Family members, friends, and other visitors to Independent Living or other senior living communities must follow health guidelines to protect their loved ones. While spending time together is important, it’s equally essential to prioritize your loved one’s health and well-being.
One of the simplest yet most effective measures is for visitors to stay home if they’re feeling unwell, are running a fever or have been recently exposed to someone with the flu. Even mild symptoms can pose a serious risk to older adults, so postpone your visit for their safety.
Good hand hygiene is another crucial aspect. Washing hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before and during visits can significantly reduce the spread of germs. Additionally, visitors should consider getting a flu vaccine themselves to reduce the risk of unknowingly passing the virus to vulnerable loved ones.
Healthy Habits Beyond the Flu Shot
In addition to the heightened hospitalizations among older adults, the CDC also estimates that between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths are attributed to patients aged 65 or older. While these numbers are alarming, you can decrease your vulnerability to the flu by following good practices. While the flu shot offers a major defense against the virus, you can also boost your resilience through lifestyle changes that help strengthen your immune system.
- Maintain a balanced diet. Getting the proper nutrition in the winter is vital to your health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits provides essential nutrients that support immune function. Foods high in vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants are particularly beneficial for protecting your body against infections.
- Staying active. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, improves your circulation and overall health. It also boosts your immune responses, helping your body fight off germs. Brandermill Woods has an indoor therapeutic swimming pool, fitness center, and daily fitness classes to help you stay active year-round.
- Getting adequate sleep. Quality rest lets your body recharge and repair, increasing its effectiveness at combating viruses like the flu. According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and maintain consistent bedtime routines to help improve the quality of their sleep.
Healthy habits like these, combined with preventative measures, can help enhance your overall well-being and decrease your health risks during flu season.
What to Do If Flu Symptoms Appear
The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and symptoms often appear suddenly. Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea can occur. However, gastrointestinal issues are often more common among children, and not everyone with the flu will run a temperature. If you don’t have a fever, don’t assume you don’t have the flu.
Some people, especially older adults, who get the flu develop complications, such as pneumonia, that make the illness more life-threatening. Flu can also cause inflammation of the heart, which can be a serious complication for seniors, especially those with heart conditions, and worsen chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
Recognizing flu symptoms and seeking medical treatment early is crucial to protect you from serious complications. Residents at Brandermill Woods should contact our on-site nurse or their regular healthcare providers right away to get their symptoms evaluated and start the best course of treatment.
Antiviral medications are generally more effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Plus, they can help prevent more serious complications and shorten the duration of your illness. In addition to medical care, be sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Avoid contact with other community members to help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Get More Tips on Health and Wellness
Brandermill Woods encourages you to schedule flu vaccinations for you and your loved ones, we even offer a Wellness Clinic for our residents to make sure they are getting the vaccinations they need to stay healthy. Visit our February calendar for more information on health and wellness initiatives offered this month. Our community provides peace of mind with a continuum of care that ensures residents receive the right level of support as their needs change, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Care. Contact us today at (804) 621-7328 to schedule a visit to our retirement community near Richmond, VA.
