Seniors are at heightened risk of contracting pneumonia and are also vulnerable to its complications. These four tips can help you keep your aging loved one safe from this common infectious disease.
Awareness is the key to early detection of pneumonia, which can be an essential part of minimizing complications. While symptoms usually include chills, cough and fever, these symptoms may be absent in the elderly or disguised by other health conditions. For some, the biggest indication of pneumonia may be a general feeling of poor health with no obvious cause. If your aging loved one doesn't feel well or is experiencing any new health symptoms, check in with his/her physician.
Most of us are familiar with the importance of the flu shot, but did you know there is also an effective vaccine against pneumonia? In fact, vaccination is a critical first line of defence in protecting seniors. When paired together, the flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine are a formidable cocktail.
It's not just the 65-and-over set who should be vaccinated. Caregivers and others with whom seniors come in frequent contact should also be vaccinated to lessen the chance of exposure.
You can't catch pneumonia if it's not around to be spread. This is where good hygiene comes in; even common cold germs can eventually lead to pneumonia, so practising safe hygiene is a valuable tactic. Be sure to wash your hands frequently. Whenever possible, keep your aging loved one away from people who are sick — good hygiene only goes so far when it comes to contact with the general population.
Practising good health and hygiene isn't a seasonal occurrence. It's essential to help your senior improve fitness and nutrition throughout the year. The stronger seniors' bodies are, the more capable they are of fighting off pneumonia, the flu and other germs. Help your aging loved one make healthy choices, such as eating well and exercising regularly. If your loved one smokes, it's time to quit: smoking significantly increases the risk of pneumonia.
No one wants to get sick, and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and flu can pose a substantial threat to the health and well-being of seniors. These four measures can help you keep your aging loved ones safe and healthy this winter and all year long.
