As you grow older, your immune system becomes weaker. This is particularly true for seniors aged 65 years or older. A weaker immune system can cause severe problems from the flu virus, further leading to serious medical complications.
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How to Be Proactive in Preventing the Flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur in older adults aged 65 and above. Bearing this data in mind, flu safety for seniors is an essential step to healthy living. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself or your elderly loved one from contracting the flu:
1. Get a Flu Shot
One of the best ways of preventing the flu is by getting a vaccine. A flu shot is recommended for everyone, ranging from kids aged six months to older adults above the age of 65 years. A flu vaccine can help protect you from the flu itself during the flu season, and it can also help you avoid chronic health conditions that are triggered during this period. The CDC recommends that caregivers and health workers should also take a flu shot to avoid spreading the virus to high-risk people.
2. Take Preventive Measures to Stop the Spread of Germs
Senior flu prevention starts with you. You should practice good health habits to stop the spread of flu-causing germs. Frequently wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to reduce the risk of becoming infected.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, mobile phones and other appliances are ideal ways of preventing the spread of germs as well. Also be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a clean handkerchief or tissue when you sneeze or cough.
3. Get Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumonia is a serious condition that can cause death, especially among older adults. You should, therefore, get relevant pneumococcal vaccines to protect yourself from pneumonia and other serious flu-related complications such as meningitis and bloodstream infections.
I hired Active Home Care to be with my mom a couple of hours every day and provide personal care assistance and medication reminders while I'm at work. I'm very happy with their services, the office team is compassionate and the staff is highly professional.
Bianca Benatar
9/24/2019
Compassionate, loving and caring. More of a second home to elderly , 24/7 care and attention. Doesn’t have to worry about older parent being alone at home.
Aj Pisces
12/22/2021
I was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a...read moreI was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a lot of turnover, until we found active home care. They came to our home before starting services and met my mother in law, after that they allowed us to interview different caregivers until we felt comfortable. We are very happy with the caregiver and the service provided by the company.read less
Lisbeth Fernandez Watson
8/30/2019
Everything about the process was professional including follow-up. Every detail was handled and the whole process of having help after an accident was effortless with Active Senior Care.
Bari Schanerman
3/04/2021
I hired Active Home Care to provide home care services to my uncle that lives in Miami FL, they have been wonderful and very helpful. The office staff is well trained and helped us navigate our options successfully. 100% recommended!
Jacobo Taurel
11/05/2019
Amazing service. The office is always attentive to our needs and they treat us like family, we are very happy!
Leonardo Rostoker
3/26/2019
Everyone involved is exceptionally professional. All of the home health aides did a wonderful job with my mother. We had a crew of (4) caring for my mom. I would highly recommend this company!!!!
Wayne Higgins
12/17/2020
Selecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will...read moreSelecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will be forever grateful.read less
Lloyd Masukawa
6/15/2021
The most professional, helpful and amazing caregivers in South Florida!! Thank you for your service, definitely recommend for your loved ones.
Aimee Garden-Fernandez
12/08/2016
My mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this...read moreMy mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this very difficult situation easier. Active Senior Care has great communication and is always there for questions or concerns. They have made what is a hard decision & process, comfortable in a way words cannot accurately express.read less
Evan C
3/09/2021
Active Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family...read moreActive Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family member in need.read less
Simona Kogan
12/07/2016
Active Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience...read moreActive Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience working with other agencies. There was no comparison with the outstanding care and concerned that was given by Active Senior Care! I recommend them without hesitation!read less
Thomas Cram
1/22/2021
Best home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery...read moreBest home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery shopping. My quality of life has definitely improved since I hired them.read less
Mina Rozenberg
11/12/2019
When I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of...read moreWhen I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of caregivers for interviews and I decided on the one I liked the most. I'm using their services 6 hours every day and I'm very happy and relieved now.read less
Camila Roizental
11/12/2019
Was referred to Active Senior Care by the hospital my mom was staying at so I found them to be trust worthy. Luckily, they were able to find someone who was exactly the kind of person I was looking for to look after her. Great service and would recommend.
Ari
11/04/2020
My mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays...read moreMy mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays with her until 3:00 pm. My mom loves Anita, she keeps my mom safe and takes her out to socialize on a daily basis.read less
Meyer Waich
7/02/2019
My experience has been very positive. The company is responsible and responsive. Their employees are caring and attentive. I would recommend.
Shari Macey
3/18/2021
I was looking for in home care services for my mom in the Miami area and found Active Home Care. We started services a couple of months ago and are very satisfied with the staff and caregivers.
Max Rimeris
11/12/2019
Flu Symptoms and What to Do If You Get Sick
The most common flu symptoms in elderly individuals include:
High fever
A constant cough
Chills
Headaches
Fatigue
Stuffy or a runny nose
A sore throat
Visit the doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of illness to help prevent serious flu-related complications. The CDC recommends that treatment should begin within the first two days of infection. Early treatment can mean the difference between getting better and being hospitalized with serious complications.
Your doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs that will help alleviate the symptoms and make the flu milder. You can also use home remedies such as drinking chicken soup to open up the nasal passages. Drink plenty of water and get enough rest to reduce flu symptoms.
Contact Active Senior Care Today
At Active Senior Care, we provide access to personalized home care services for the elderly. From live-in care to respite care services, Active Senior Care can help you find the home care solution that best meets you or you loved one’s needs. For more information about our home care services or to schedule a free home visit, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Call 786-360-3449 now for a free home visit!