Seasonal Flu Prevention in a Time of COVID-19
BY KURT SAPP, ADMINISTRATOR, SEMINOLE SHORES LIVING CENTER, NORTON SHORES
You are right to be concerned about safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts predict this flu season could be rough.
Here are a couple helpful tips to share with your loved ones about flu prevention.
Get the annual flu vaccine. Unless a physician advises against the flu shot due to an allergy or other health concern, it’s one of the best prevention steps adults of all ages can take. The general recommendation is to get vaccinated in early- to mid-October to give the body time to build immunity. Advise your loved ones against waiting to see how bad the flu season gets, as some seniors are prone to do.
Practice healthy self-care. It’s important for you, your senior loved ones, and anyone else they regularly come in contact with to take good care of yourselves. That can help each of you build immunity and avoid catching a bug and passing it to one another.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein is a great start. Exercising for 30 minutes at least five days a week is vital, as is getting a good night’s sleep. Hydration also matters. Drinking eight glasses of water a day and consuming foods high in water content (e.g., cucumber, melon, and leafy greens) can both prevent dehydration.
Many of us have heard these final suggestions repeatedly since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring, but it’s good to revisit them.
Maintain physical distance. Physically distance from people in public. When flu season is peaking, avoid crowds as much as possible. If you must be in public, maintain a distance of six feet from others.
Wear a mask. While initially debated, mask wearing became essential as researchers learned more about the novel coronavirus. Doing so is a good prevention measure for both the seasonal flu and the coronavirus.
Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands for 20 to 30 seconds in warm, soapy water several times throughout the day is another must. For times when you don’t have access to soap and water, keep a small hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse. Make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol.
Learn More About Flu Shots
At Seminole Shores Assisted Living, a Heritage Senior Community, we take the seasonal flu seriously. That includes creating informational resources for residents and their families to read. “Seniors, It’s Time to Get Your Flu Shot!” and “Flu Shot Questions from Alzheimer’s Caregivers in Michigan” are both useful articles to help you learn more.
Visit us online or call today for more information about assisted living, memory care or a winter-respite stay at Seminole Shores (231) 780-2944.
Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center, located in Norton Shores, Michigan, gives seniors the opportunity to be independent while knowing that assistance is available to serve them whenever they need it. The center offers housekeeping, laundry, medication management, 24 hour care, three home-cooked meals a day and a full activity and event program. A pet-friendly community, Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center is owned and operated by Heritage Property Management Inc., located in Grand Haven, Michigan. Heritage Property Management Inc. is a family-owned company that operates nine assisted living homes and five independent living homes across the state of Michigan. Learn more at seminoleshoresalc.com and call (231) 780-2944 for a tour.
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