Stop The Flu In Its Tracks

Families of older adults are especially concerned about the recent outbreak of swine flu – and with good reason.

When younger people come down with flu's fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms they usually recover fully after a miserable week in bed. However a bout of the flu in older people can be far more serious especially if they are in poor health or suffer from chronic illnesses.

FLU SYMPTOMS

Influenza – the flu – is caused by a virus. It is transmitted to other people when a person coughs or sneezes and sends the virus into the air where other people can breathe it in. The flu virus can also be spread through contact with a surface that has the virus on it.

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Headache, body aches and pains.
• Feeling exhausted. Sore throat and cough.
• Stuffy nose.
• Older flu sufferers may also develop stomach or intestinal upsets.

HOME REMEDIES

Although the only available cure for this miserable ailment is time you can help your flu patient feel better until her bout with the flu is over:

• Ask your family doctor or pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter decongestants, cough medicines, and pain relievers.
• Encourage your flu patient to rest in bed.
• Make sure he or she drinks lots of fluids – especially water. Dehydration can be serious in older adults.
• Encourage your patient to eat -- especially if he or she has diabetes. Popsicles, small portions of chicken soup, crackers and applesauce are good choices.
• Help your patient take a warm bath or shower. The steam will help relieve a stuffy nose, aches and pains.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS

If your flu patient develops any of these symptoms contact his doctor immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the neck
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF FLU

Caregivers of relatives with the flu should be aware that they can also spread the virus even if they have no symptoms themselves.

Avoid spreading the flu virus with these precautions:

• Carry disposable tissues (not cotton handkerchiefs) and cover your face whenever you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues after each use.
• If you have flu symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading the disease to others.
• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.
• Use paper towels instead of cloth
• Encourage friends and relatives to call your relative or visit him after he has recovered from the flu.

A SHOT OF PREVENTION

Flu can be a serious, even life-threatening illness in elderly people especially if they are very old and in poor health. Swine flu is no different from other forms of influenza such as the Asian flu, Hong King flu, and Spanish flu. All flu outbreaks are caused by the highly contagious influenza virus. As a caregiver for an older person make sure that he or she gets a flu shot each year – and that you and your own family do too. One small needle prick will keep your family healthy.