Influenza is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to the elderly. The statistics speak for themselves:
- Influenza and pneumonia together represent the 7th leading cause of death for people age 65 and over in America.
- The chance of death from influenza and pneumonia is greater than the risk of death from an automobile accident for the elderly.
- Of around 32,400 annual American flu-related deaths, 90% are people age 65 and over.
- Of around 225,000 American flu-related hospitalizations, over half occur for people age 65 and over.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides specific recommendations to help seniors avoid the flu and its related complications:
- Get a flu shot. Since those over age 65 are at increased risk for complications from the flu, this is vitally important.
- Practice good health habits. Stay away from those who are sick, wash hands often and cover coughs.
- Seek medical advice quickly if flu symptoms develop. Antiviral drugs can sometimes be used to treat those with a greater risk of serious complications (including those over age 65), if symptoms are caught early enough.
Independence-4-Seniors’ caregivers, supervised by an RN, can help your elderly loved one stay healthy this flu season by providing nutritious meals, transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, and a personalized daily exercise program. Call us at 630-323-4665 or visit us online to learn more about our home care services in the Chicago area.