Especially for the elderly, care should be taken to make sure they have a flu shot. Those over the age of 50 are at high risk for serious complications from the illness. Here are 10 tips to help people prepare for flu season and hopefully prevent the virus.
1. Get vaccinated.
The best way to prevent oneself from contracting the flu is to get a shot. It will not give the person the flu. It will likely keep the person from getting it. If they do; however, it will be a more mild case than if they had not gotten vaccinated.
2. Wash hands frequently.
For those who come in contact with surfaces in public places, particularly those with high traffic, frequent hand washing will help reduce the risks of contracting the illness. Use warm, soapy water and wash hands vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse well and use a clean towel or air dryer to dry them thoroughly. Use the towel to turn off the faucet, when possible.
3. Do not touch the face.
People should refrain from touching their faces with their hands, especially after coming in contact with a frequently used surface.
4. Be a preventive employer.
Employers should encourage their workers to get a flu shot. Contacting medical staffing agencies to set up in-house flu vaccinations will lower the risk of employees contracting the flu and will prevent them from having to leave the premises to get the shot.
5. Stay home sick.
Employees with the flu should stay home when they are sick, rather than come to the office and cause customers and other employees to contract the virus.
6. Avoid close personal contact.
Keep a safe distance from people who are ill with the flu. Those who are sick should make a conscious effort to stay away from others when they believe they have the virus.
7. Know the risks.
Take the flu virus seriously. More than 36,000 people die from influenza each year. About 14,000 are hospitalized with complications from the illness.
8. Know the symptoms.
There are many different signs and symptoms of the flu. When a few are present, consult a medical health care or home elder care provider for an examination. Watch for sudden, severe onset of headache and/or extreme exhaustion. A fever between 102 and 104 degrees F can last from 3 to 4 days. Other possible symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches.
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