Five Things to Do During National Influenza Week

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | November 18, 2020 | Comments Off on Five Things to Do During National Influenza Week
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The first week of December marks National Influenza Week. Between 2014 and 2017, there was an average of 27.6 million yearly cases of influenza in the U.S. Around half of those with flu saw a doctor. Influenza shouldn’t be easily dismissed as “just another virus.” It can lead to serious illness. Some people don’t recover from it.

Home Care Services Essex County NJ - Five Things to Do During National Influenza Week

Home Care Services Essex County NJ – Five Things to Do During National Influenza Week

As flu season picks up, it’s important to take stock of the things your parents need to do.

These five items need to be at the top of their to-do lists.

  • Get a Flu Shot

Make sure your parents get their flu shot. After the age of 65, the high-dose flu vaccine for older adults is ideal. If doctors, flu shot clinics, or pharmacies are out of it, a regular flu shot is better than skipping it. Make it a point to get the flu shot before Halloween to give the body time to build up immunities.

  • Avoid Large Gatherings

Your parents should avoid large gatherings. They need to cancel plans to attend holiday parties unless they’re certain people are unlikely to have picked up a virus somewhere.

When a lot of people congregate, odds are higher that one person in that group will have the virus. That’s how a virus spreads. Stick to small gatherings where your parents know people’s habits. They want to wash their hands regularly and keep socially distant if they do attend a small gathering.

  • Stock Up on Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Keep the kitchen stocked with antioxidant-rich foods. Frozen berries make for easy breakfasts. Mix some natural fruit juice or plain kefir with the frozen fruit and create quick smoothies for breakfast.

Make some soups and chicken stock to keep in the freezer until needed. Chicken broth can be antioxidant-rich by adding garlic and parsley. Use it to make homemade chicken noodle soup or matzo ball soup.

  • Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area

Sleep is an important aspect of keeping the immune system strong. Ideally, your parents want seven or eight hours of sleep each night.

Make it easier to sleep by creating a comfortable bedroom area. A comfortable mattress, supportive pillow, white noise, and relaxing scents like lavender and chamomile are helpful. Window blinds that block outside security lights and light from a full moon are also important.

  • Build a Back-Up Care Plan

For family caregivers, the best thing to do is to have a back-up plan when it comes to caring. You help your parents with meals, medications, and personal care each day. What happens if you’re sick? Is somebody else going to step in so that you can stay at home and rest?

Make sure you have an alternate plan in mind. Home care services is your best option. While you recover, a home care services aide goes to your parents’ house to help out. Call our home care services specialist and ask about respite care services.

Sources:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in Essex County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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