03/Aug/2009
Influenza and the Elderly:
A Resource for Caregivers
By John A. Stassi, II
When influenza (flu) epidemics and/or pandemics like the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus)
develop, federal and state healthcare agencies issue warnings including how to
protect and treat yourself and others against the influenza strain.
While it is important to heed the warnings of the numerous federal and state healthcare agencies, it is also important to remember that vulnerable individuals, like the elderly, can become infected with the flu throughout the year. Precautions must be taken, whether you or the elderly person you are caring for has the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
or CDC, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses.
On average, five percent to 20
percent of the population in the
More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications and nearly 36,000 people die from flu-related causes each year. The elderly, young children and individuals with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk for serious complications from the flu.
Flu Symptoms
The CDC recognizes the following symptoms for the flu: dry cough, extreme tiredness, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, stomach symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults) and runny or stuffy nose.
Flu vaccinations take place annually and begin usually in September or as soon as the vaccine is available and continue throughout flu season (which can be into December, January or beyond since the timing and duration of flu season varies). Flu outbreaks can even happen in October, but most of the outbreaks occur in January and later.
According to the CDC, the flu is spread mainly from person to person when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes; however, sometimes people can also become infected with the flu from touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose or mouth.
On average, healthy adults can infect others one day before flu symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick with the flu. This means that an individual can pass on the flu to someone else before they even know they have it.
Elderly care
Thus, particularly when dealing with the elderly it is important to take precautions when an individual thinks they may have contracted the flu. It is also important to ensure that if the elderly have the flu, they are immediately taken to see a healthcare provider. Senior care agencies are trained in handling elderly who have contracted the flu and protecting the elderly when flu epidemics and/or pandemics break out.
In
Good hygiene, the AHCA reminds, is always important. Health care staff, visitors and residents and caregivers (at home) alike are encouraged to:
-
Check with a health care provider about any
special care that may be needed
-
Check with a heath care provider to see if any
antiviral medications are needed
-
Thoroughly wash hands
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
-
Always cover coughs and sneezes (consider
wearing face masks)
-
Get plenty of rest (stay home for 7 days after
your symptoms begin or until one is symptom-free for 24 hours)
-
Keep hydrated - drink clear fluids such as
water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages, etc.
-
Avoid close contact with others (no school or
work while ill)
-
Senior care agencies should also review their
flu epidemic and/or pandemic plans.
While these are only a few of the steps one can take when dealing with an individual, especially the elderly, more information can be found by visiting:
American Health Care Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CommCare
Corporation,
founded in
1994, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which operates skilled
nursing facilities and community mental health centers. CommCare owns and
operates Baton Rouge Health Care, Old Jefferson Community Care Center, CMHC of
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