As the weather gets warmer, you may notice more people around you getting sick. That’s because spring is one of the most common times for these illnesses. If you’re elderly or have a health condition that makes it difficult to fight off infection, it’s even more important to protect yourself from getting sick during this time of year. Here’s what you need to know about these common spring illnesses in aging family members and how assisted living care in Norcross, GA living care can help prevent them:
Flu
As we age, our immune systems become weaker and more susceptible to sicknesses. The flu virus is one of the most common illnesses in seniors’ homes during springtime, but it can be prevented with proper care. An infected person can spread the flu before they have symptoms, so it’s possible to be exposed without knowing it.
The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and sore throat (runny nose). Other symptoms include headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Assisted Living Care helps prevent the spread of germs by encouraging residents to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their face or mouth when sick.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause. The symptoms include cough with phlegm (mucus), fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is expected in the elderly because their immune systems are weaker than younger people.
If you live in an assisted living community, there are specific steps that the care team takes to prevent pneumonia from taking hold. They will check your temperature and ensure you get enough fluids (or even supplemental water) throughout each day. They’ll also encourage regular exercise and physical activity to keep your lungs healthy and check for any signs of respiratory distress so they can get help immediately if needed.
Colds & The Common Cold
Colds are one of the most common illnesses in seniors, and they can be hard to avoid. The common cold is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and eyes. Viruses can spread from person to person through sneezing or coughing. They may also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, and telephones.
It’s important for seniors living in assisted living communities to stay healthy during this time of year because it can lead to more severe health problems if not treated properly (such as pneumonia). The good news is that there are ways for you as an Assisted Living Care provider to prevent these illnesses from happening in the facility!
- Get plenty of rest – A tired body is likelier to get sick. Ensure you or your loved one gets enough sleep at night so they have enough energy during the day!
- Eat well – A healthy diet provides the nutrients needed to fight viruses when they come knocking on the door. Make sure you or your loved one eats lots of fruits and vegetables–they contain natural antioxidants that help fight off infections!
Upper Respiratory Infections (Uri)
Upper respiratory infections (URI) are also the most common illness in seniors. They are caused by viruses and affect the nose, throat, and lungs. The infection may be mild or severe depending upon its severity and duration of symptoms. If necessary, a URI can be treated at home with fever reducers, painkillers, and antibiotics. Still, it’s best to consult your physician for proper treatment as soon as possible because some URIs require hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics if they persist for more than 48 hours without improvement of symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.
Conclusion
If you or an aging loved one is suffering from a spring illness, it’s essential to seek help from a doctor. Assisted living care can make a big difference in the recovery time and overall health of an elderly patient with this condition.
