Swine flu and seasonal influenza have many potential complications, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, infections of the ear, and possible death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people over 65 account for 60% of flu-related hospitalizations and 90% of deaths associated with influenza.
What Seniors are Considered High Risk for the Flu?
The good news for seniors at this point is that people over 64 do not appear to be high risk for complications related to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. However, seniors are at high risk for seasonal influenza complications. Seniors may fall under other high risk categories for influenza complications listed by the Centers for Disease Control web site including people with certain conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart, kidney, or liver disease
- Asthma and other chronic breathing disorders, such as COPD and ALS
- Certain blood disorders, including sickle cell disease
- Weakened immunity, such as those with cancer or HIV
- Neurocognitive disorders, like Alzheimer's Disease
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Those living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or similar environments
How Can Seniors Avoid Getting H1N1 Influenza?
The CDC recommends several basic preventive steps, such as:
- Appropriate hand washing hygiene
- Using a tissue and throwing it away after use when sneezing or coughing or turning the head toward the elbow rather than covering the mouth and nose with a hand if sneezing or coughing
- Avoiding touching the face
- Avoiding close contact with those who are sick, if possible
- Following public health advice for local areas during times of outbreak
- Getting the seasonal flu shot if appropriate and recommended by a healthcare provider
- Seeking medical advice regarding recommendations for the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Although senior populations in general are not considered high priority for this particular vaccine, people considered high risk for other reasons may benefit from the novel 2009 H1N1 flu shot.
Seniors living at home may wish to prepare for the possibility of needing to stay home for up to a week by having a week’s worth of supplies such as food, personal care items, and medications.
What Should Seniors Do if Experiencing Flu Symptoms?
Many seniors may recuperate from a bout of the flu at home without prescription anti-viral medications like Tamiflu or Relenza, but people at high risk for flu complications should seek medical advice to determine the safest course of action. Those with flu-like symptoms who experience problems breathing, chest or abdominal pain, acute onset dizziness, confusion, vomiting that is severe or persistent, or a return of symptoms after the illness seemed to improve should seek urgent medical care.
People who are sick with influenza may be contagious 24 hours before getting flu-like symptoms until five to seven days after symptoms appear and should avoid being around others until the temperature is below 100 degrees for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, unless they need to seek medical care. Those seeking medical care should wear a mask to help prevent the spread of infection if possible.
Tips for Caring for Someone With Seasonal Flu or H1N1
A senior caring for someone with flu-like symptoms should continue good infection control guidelines listed above to help prevent the spread of the influenza virus while encouraging the ill person to do the same. The caregiver and person with the flu should also try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, healthy sleep habits, and control stress as much as possible.
At this time, the CDC does not recommend that caregivers avoid being around others if the caregiver does not have flu symptoms. If the caregiver is at high risk for complications of influenza, she should check her healthcare provider to see if prophylactic anti-viral medications are appropriate. Those who must provide direct care or are in close contact with infected individuals may wish to read recommendations regarding using a facemask or respirator. Those wanting more specific information regarding the use of facemasks and respirators in the work environment may wish to visit the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA) web site.
Seniors and the Flu
Influenza symptoms can be difficult to manage in any population, but seniors may be at increased risk for complications, hospitalization, and even death due to age, living conditions, or chronic health concerns. By incorporating preventive measures, seeking medical advice if experiencing flu-like symptoms, and communicating with a healthcare provider regarding special needs if caring for someone with the flu, seniors may be able to avoid more severe complications of H1N1 influenza and seasonal flu.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider with individual questions related to influenza and seek emergency care if experiencing serious complications.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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