The flu may seem common, but it can prove fatal for the elderly. Seniors account for 85% of flu-related deaths and about 70% of hospitalizations.
And since flu season peaks from December to February, now is the time to take preventative measures to protect yourself.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Maintaining a robust immune system will help ensure you get through flu season scot-free. Get daily exercise each day, plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated with about eight glasses of water a day.
Eat various foods to create a balanced diet and get the vitamins and minerals you need to boost your immunity.
Vitamin B6 protects your immune system. You can get it from salmon, potatoes, chicken, and chickpeas.
Vitamin C can ease the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the illness’s duration. Oranges, broccoli, and bell peppers are all excellent sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D also boosts your immunity and can reduce the duration of the flu. You can find it in egg yolks, salmon, mushrooms, and Vitamin D-fortified cereals.
Magnesium is an immunity-booster found in avocados, spinach, and dark chocolate.
Zinc helps your cells fight disease and is found in yogurt, seafood, and red meat.
Wash Your Hands
Good handwashing will keep dangerous viruses and bacteria off your hands. Check out our “handy” step-by-step process.
- Rinse your hands under warm water and lather a quarter-sized amount of soap on the palms and backs of your hands.
- Interlock your fingers to lather the suds and scrub your thumbs.
- Clean under your fingernails and wash around your wrists.
- Thoroughly dry your hands and turn off the faucet with a cloth or paper towel.
Keep Your Distance
You’ve had plenty of practice employing social distancing, which will come in handy during peak flu season. Seniors should avoid crowds and maintain their distance while out in public. You should always wear a mask in public as well.
Get A Flu Shot
Your body needs time to build immunity to the flu, so schedule your flu shot as soon as possible. A special high-dose flu vaccine is available for seniors 65 and older.
Embassy Healthcare offers extensive clinical capabilities to ensure your health and well-being. Schedule a tour of one of our facilities today.
