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Preparing Your Parents For the Flu Season

Preparing for the flu season is vital to the health of your aging parents.  It’s no secret that the elderly are more susceptible to catching the flu virus, so each year it is important to take the proper precautions to keep your parents healthy.  This year, the flu season has started early and appears to be strong, according to the CDC. In order to keep your parents healthy this year, make sure you take the following precautions.

Get Vaccinated

The first step to prepare for the upcoming flu season is to get your parents vaccinated.  Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent catching the flu and is available to aging adults.  Not only will the vaccination help keep your parents from getting the flu, but it will also prevent them from spreading the disease to those around them, including their spouse, grandchildren, and friends.  If your parents are worried they might catch the flu from the vaccination, tell them not to worry.  According to the CDC, you cannot catch the flu from the vaccination, as the influenza viruses in flu shots are inactive.  Also, make sure your parents get vaccinated as soon as possible. Any one over the age of 50 is at a higher risk to get the flu, and the vaccine usually takes two weeks to set in.

Other Tips to Avoid the Flu

In addition to getting a flu vaccination, there are plenty of additional steps that your parents can take to avoid catching the flu this year.  Each day, make sure your parents
take the precautions below in order to stay healthy this flu season.

–  Wash your hands often, especially in high-risk environments like public places

–  Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose

–  Get plenty of rest

–  Drink lots of fluids throughout the day

–  Avoid others who are sick or may be getting sick

–  Turn your head and cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze

–  Eat immune system boosting foods that contain antioxidants

–  Include plenty of vitamins like vitamin c in your diet

–  Get exercise each day

–  Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces throughout your home

Looking for additional resources? Check out the CDC website which is filled with great information about the flu and flu prevention.

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