At Heaven’s Hands Home Care, we understand the importance of keeping our Connecticut seniors safe and thriving. As the leaves begin to change and flu season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect them from this potentially serious illness, as well as other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and RSV.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that can infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for people at high risk of complications from the flu, especially adults 65 years and older.
Here in Connecticut, the Department of Public Health (CT.gov) tracks influenza activity throughout the year and provides weekly respiratory disease updates. While the severity of flu seasons can vary, it is always recommended to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.
Here are some additional tips to prepare your senior loved ones for Connecticut’s flu season:
- Get Vaccinated: This is the single most important step in preventing the flu. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, but vaccination can be effective throughout the flu season. Find a flu vaccination location near you easily through the official U.S. government website: https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.
- Frequent Handwashing: Encourage seniors to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: If someone in the household is sick, encourage them to stay home from work or school and avoid close contact with others.
- Practice Healthy Habits: Encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These habits can help boost the immune system and make seniors less susceptible to illness.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest flu information from the CDC and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.
COVID-19 and RSV: A Continued Threat
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, it remains a threat to vulnerable populations, including seniors. Additionally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe illness in older adults. While vaccines are available for both COVID-19 and flu, it’s important to layer protections to minimize the risk of infection.
Heaven’s Hands Home Care can help!
Our compassionate caregivers can assist seniors with a variety of tasks that can help them stay healthy during flu season. Heaven’s Hands Home Care provides non-medical care services such as:
- Reminders to wash hands frequently
- Running errands to pick up prescriptions or groceries to minimize public exposure
- Preparing healthy meals
- Airing out the house on mild weather days
By taking these steps, we can work together to keep your senior loved ones safe this Connecticut flu season.
Contact Heaven’s Hands Home Care today to learn more about our services and how we can help your senior loved ones stay healthy year-round.
