The flu, a common seasonal respiratory illness, can be serious in older adults. Seniors aged 65 and older are more likely to develop complications from the flu, as they have weakened immune systems. The CDC reports that most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths occur within his age group, making flu prevention and treatment especially important.

Caregivers play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of flu for elderly loved ones. By being proactive and informed, caregivers can help protect seniors during flu season and promote positive health. This article discusses the importance of flu prevention and recognizing the early signs of flu-related complications.

What is The Flu?

Also known as influenza, the flu is an infectious respiratory condition. It is caused by any variation of viruses, specifically influenza viruses A, B, and C. The influenza viruses A and B cause seasonal flu epidemics, primarily during the colder months. Influenza virus C causes a milder infection. These viruses mutate frequently, which is why flu vaccines are developed each year to address the most prevalent strains.

How Common is the Flu?

As mentioned, the flu is a common illness that peaks during the fall and winter months. About 5 to 20 percent of Americans become sick with the flu each year. Older adults, however, make up the majority of the number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

While most healthy adults recover from the flu within a week or two, seniors with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions are at higher risk for complications.

What are the Symptoms of the Flu?

Symptoms that appear once a senior catches the virus are varied. Caregivers should look out for a sudden onset of fever or chills in their elderly care recipients. Other symptoms include cough, headache, and sore throat. The senior may have a runny or stuffy nose.

A senior with the flu may feel tired or weak. Their muscles or body may ache as their body fights the infection. The flu can also cause older people to experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In some cases, vomiting or diarrhea occur due to the flu virus.

How to Treat the Flu in the Elderly

Coming down with the flu may not always lead to a fever in the elderly. Seniors can suffer a bout of the flu without running a fever. However, caregivers are advised to seek medical care for the aging adult if they display any of the other aforementioned flu symptoms.

Untreated flu symptoms can lead to complications, which are other health issues that develop as a result of the respiratory infection. Immunocompromised older adults are especially vulnerable to complications that can be mild, such as a sinus infection, or severe, like pneumonia. Seniors have an increased risk of developing complications from the flu because their immune system naturally weakens with age. While the body remains weak from fighting off the infection, they are more susceptible to picking up a secondary infection, like pneumonia.

In addition to antivirals, such as Oseltamivir and Peramivir, seniors with the flu should get adequate rest and hydration. Water and juice are the best options for keeping them hydrated, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided during illness.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are over-the-counter drugs that can alleviate a fever and help ease the senior’s joint and muscle pain. Aches and pains can make it difficult for the aging person to move comfortably; however, they signal that their body is fighting off the infection.

Seek medical care for the senior showing flu symptoms. A healthcare provider can diagnose the illness and recommend treatment options. Antivirals may be prescribed to reduce complications from the flu. If taken within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms, antivirals can make a senior feel better fast.

How to Prevent the Flu in Seniors

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and reduces the chances of flu-related hospitalizations or death. Ideally, the senior will be vaccinated by the end of October. This time frame is ideal because flu season starts in October and peaks between December and February.

Being vaccinated too early, such as in September, won’t protect seniors throughout the entire flu season. The flu vaccine takes at least two weeks to start working, so getting vaccinated after October can still provide protection from this highly contagious illness. A higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine are recommended for seniors. These specially designed vaccines are potentially more effective in the older population than the standard flu vaccine. The senior’s pharmacist or doctor can advise which vaccine is best.

While a flu vaccine is the first line of defense against the flu, seniors should also stop the spread of the flu. Wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth; a mask prevents flu droplets from dispersing through the air when people cough, sneeze, or speak. Touching surfaces contaminated with the flu virus and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth can also transmit the infection. To prevent being infected, seniors should wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face. Clean and disinfect the house frequently to kill lingering flu viruses.

A senior who is sick with the flu is urged to stay home to prevent spreading the illness. If the older person’s friends or family experience flu symptoms, the senior should avoid close contact with them. By following these tips, caregivers keep their aging care recipients healthy throughout flu season.

Professional Senior Home Care

Families count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide hands-on elder care for their aging loved ones, whether it is during flu season or at any other time of the year. Our compassionate home health care services are designed to promote the physical, emotional, and social health of older adults in Tampa, Bradenton, Lithia, and the surrounding areas in Hillsborough County.

Services include healthy meal preparation and serving beverages to keep seniors hydrated. We shop for groceries and give medication reminders. Especially during flu season, we disinfect the home and provide other light housekeeping services to keep their environment hygienic and comfortable.

If your loved one has a doctor’s appointment, we provide transportation and escort. We’re also pleasant companions who deter loneliness and isolation through friendly conversations, games, puzzles, and outings. Support with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing and dressing, is also included.

Whether the senior in your life is battling the flu or simply would benefit from extra support at home, Assisting Hands Home Care meets their non-medical care needs. Schedule your free in-home consult today to learn about quality elder home care.