Flu season is here, and while some seniors have let their guard down against the swine flu due to knowledge that they’re not in the greatest risk group, people 65 and older still need to make sure they safeguard themselves against H1N1. Seniors with existing health issues in particular are at greater risk for developing complications as a result of the illness which can have devastating results.

Those who should be especially aware of potential H1N1 warning signs include those seniors who have health conditions like blood disorders, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, as well as neurological and neuromuscular disorders that can cause weakened immune systems.  Warning signs that all seniors should be on the look out for are outlined below, and those who have these symptoms should immediately seek a doctor’s attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

There’s no way to prevent H1N1 indefinitely, but all seniors should take the following steps to help safeguard themselves from the virus:

• Wash hands often or use alcohol based hand sanitizers that don’t require water

• Get plenty of rest to increase the immune system; ensure you get enough sleep on a nightly basis

• If recovering from surgery or another illness, focus on recovery. Hire a professional care agency or talk to a family member to step in to help out around the home so you can decrease your stress and get plenty of rest

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

The Swine Flu has caused a great deal of worry amongst the Phoenix senior population, who worry that contracting the disease could signify the end of their life. There are always risks, but greater fear surrounds the illness due to a number of myths. By understanding the facts and fiction of Swine Flu, seniors and their families can have more knowledge about how the illness could affect them and how it can be prevented.

1. Since the H1N1 virus derives in pigs, it can come from pork – Swine Flu cannot be transmitted from eating pork, although it does often occur in those who are in contact with infected living livestock. The current outbreak, however, is coming primarily from human-to-human transmission

2. Symptoms of Swine Flu different from the seasonal flu – the symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue

3. There is no effective treatment for Swine Flu – Tamiflu and Relenza are medications that have been used to effectively treat H1N1

4. There aren’t enough flu drugs to treat the pandemic – the federal government has in fact stockpiled enough flu drugs to treat 50 million Americans with Swine Flu, and some states actually have additional stock

5. The 1970’s Swine Flu shot offers protection today – as diseases adapt and change, it becomes more unlikely that a previous vaccination will offer prevention for the H1N1 virus of today

6. Flu drugs can prevent the Swine Flu – it’s not recommended that the flu drugs used to treat the swine flu are taken for prevention. There is however, a vaccine under development

7. Seniors are most at risk – healthy seniors actually are not believed to be the demographic most at risk for the Swine Flu. The vaccine that will be available will first be offered to individuals aged 25 to 65 as they are most at risk

8. The spread of Swine Flu can’t be stopped – it’s not yet known how contagious Swine Flu is, however, like any illness, the spread of it can be prevented through frequent hand washing, covering mouths when coughing and disinfecting surfaces that might carry germs

Via: Loyola Medicine

Image: jazdb2b.wordpress.com

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.