We have entered cold and flu season once again and Covid-19 continues to circulate in many communities. This is the perfect time to begin to take precautions to strengthen your immune system to ward off sickness. Older adults and caregivers are more prone to getting sick, as we age our immune systems start to weaken and caregivers tend to have weaker immune systems due to stress and lack of sleep. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to help reduce the chance of getting sick or reduce the length and severity. The main goal is to boost the immune system and reduce germ exposure.
1.The Flu Vaccine
The flu shot reduces the chances of getting the flu as well as reduces the severity of the illness. Caregivers can get the flu shot to help reduce the spread to their older adults. The most hospitalizations and deaths due to the flu happen to adults over 65 years old.
Medicare patients can get the flu shot for free, as long as the provider accepts Medicare. Many private insurance companies offer the flu shot for free as a preventative service. If you do not have insurance there are many drug stores, clinics, County or Community Health Centers, and libraries who offer the shot for no or low cost.
2. Wash or Sanitize Hands Frequently
Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently can effectively wash away cold and flu germs you may have picked up. Rub regular soap onto both hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get under the nails, between fingers, the back of the hands, and wrists to eliminate germs.
If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will also kill cold and flu germs.
3. Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
Touching your face without washing your hands can let unwanted cold and flu germs enter the body. When you are in public or communal areas, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent getting sick. It’s a good idea to keep hand sanitizer and tissues with you if you must go out in public to reduce the risk of touching your face directly with germy hands.
4. Keep Your Environment Clean
Using disinfectants, especially in the bathroom, kitchen, and communal areas, can help to keep your environment germ free. Frequently touched items such as light switches, door knobs, faucets, and kitchen/bathroom cabinets are hot spots for germs to multiply, so make sure to keep these areas sanitized after use. Also, make sure to clean and sanitize your cleaning sponges and rags, which can hold and breed a lot of germs.
In communal areas outside the house, make sure to wash your hands frequently after touching items that may have been touched or used by others. Sanitizing your personal work area can also eliminate the spread of germs.
5. Sanitize Cell Phones & Mobile Devices
We touch our phones with our hands and our faces several times during the day without thinking about where we may have placed them or what we may have touched them to. You can clean your mobile devices by wiping them with sanitizing wipes or an alcohol pad, paying attention to the most touched areas: screen, back, and sides, making sure not to get the electronics wet.
6. Avoid Crowds and Unnecessary Travel
Being around crowds, especially in badly ventilated spaces, can increase the chances of being in the vicinity of an infected person and in turn expose you to the cold or flu.
If you need to be in crowds or to travel, try to keep a safe distance from other people, wear a mask if you have a low or compromised immune system, and frequently wash or sanitize your hands.
7. Stay Away From Sick People
It might be difficult as a caregiver to stay away from sick people if your client or loved one is sick, but if you get sick it will be difficult to continue to care for them. Keep your distance as much as possible and avoid any unnecessary touching or hugging.
8. Drink Plenty of Liquids
Drinking liquids like water and hot tea are a great way to help the body fight off germs. Soup broth or juice are other beneficial liquid sources.
9. Eat Nutritious Foods with Plenty of Protein and Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help reduce the chances of getting sick, you can get vitamin C from many whole foods as well as supplements (be sure to ask your doctor before taking new supplements). Protein is very important for a healthy immune system, so getting enough protein in your diet is very important to staying healthy. You can get more protein in your diet by adding fish, eggs, or yogurt into your diet.
10. Exercise
Research has found that regular or moderate exercise can help fight off infectious bacteria and viruses and can help boost the immune system.
Disclaimer: The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm