COLD AND FLU PREVENTION TIPS TO REDUCE RISK FOR SENIORS
GET THE FLU VACCINE
Getting a flu shot reduces the risk of getting the flu. It also reduces the severity of the illness and protects against complications – both especially important for seniors.
And when you get a flu shot, you reduce the risk that you’ll get sick and infect your older adult.
The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November, but experts say that it’s still useful to get the shot even if it’s later in the flu season.
WASH OR SANITIZE HANDS THOROUGHLY AND AVOID TOUCHING EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH
Using regular soap is fine because rubbing the hands together for at least 20 seconds is what eliminates germs. Make sure to clean under the nails, backs of hands, between fingers, and wrists.
If you can’t get to soap and water often enough, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to kill cold and flu germs. This may be a good option for older adults who can’t easily get up to wash their hands.
CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT TO ELIMINATE GERMS
Try to keep the environment as germ-free as possible. That means using disinfectant when cleaning, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
When cleaning, pay special attention to germ hot spots like doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen and bathroom counters.
And, make sure to disinfect cleaning sponges and rags (a breeding ground for germs) by changing them frequently, soaking in bleach, microwaving for 1-2 minutes, or running through the dishwasher.