We're Right in the Middle of Flu Season

(Side note: Sorry, I've been away, getting everybody ready for Christmas).

Winter is not my favorite season. Even here on the bay, where the sun shines most of the time, it still gets cold and damp during a few months in winter. It does, however, make for spectacular sunsets and sunrises.

Here we are, having a wonderful Holiday Season, Christmas being the most important time for many people, especially our Elders, and now we are suddenly struck with the threat of severe illness. It happens every year.

Flu season for our Elders can be a life threatening time. This is serious stuff. Many Elders, especially those who are very old, and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable. Illness can come on even when others in the household appear well. Influenza by itself is not usually life-threatening if you are healthy, but it can cause a series of problems that the Elder can not handle physically.

First, the FDA has a wonderful article called "Get Set for Winter Illness Season". So, I will not state again what is already in the article. If you are a caregiver for an Elder, please read this article and follow the advise. It will keep you and yours well.
But, I would like to remind everyone of the special concerns for the Elders.

Many Elders have poorly functioning immune systems, whether caused by chronic illness, physical deterioration, poor nutrition, or the types of medications that have to be taken. This puts them at higher risk than anyone, even around people who "appear" to be well.

Many cold medicines sold over the counter are laden with drugs that many Elders should not take because of chronic illness, or because of possible interactions with prescription medicines. There have been several articles about this problem. Here is one of them, called "A Prescription for Problems".

Many Elders are particularly prone to respiratory complications when suffering from viruses like a cold or influenza. This puts them at risk of life-threatening pneumonia, worsening heart conditions, and long hospitalizations.

Along with all the other physical problems Elders may have, there is often a problem with nutritional and fluid intake. This can become worse when your Elder is sick and not willing to eat or drink, quickly becoming a serious dehydration, malnutrition problem. Now you have a virus, dehydration, and more strain on all body systems. It's a downward cycle that soon requires hospitalization to correct.

Then there are all the other complications that come along with poor nutrition, poor hydration, respiratory viruses, and the resulting bedrest and/or hospitalization: like loss of the ability to walk, incontinence, weight loss, skin breakdown, and acute confusion. Your Elder ends up having to go to a nursing home after a lengthy hospitalization, and now we all have very unpleasant days.

So, a little prevention can go a long way. Check out the articles above, and arm yourself with the information you need.

Wishing your Elder and you many Pleasant Days during the Holiday and Winter Season.