According to the CDC, it is likely that the flu and COVID-19 will both spread this flu season which could cause healthcare systems to be overwhelmed treating patients with the flu and COVID-19. That is why getting the flu vaccine during this flu season is more important than ever. Below is a list of the top 5 reasons to get the flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season.

The flu vaccine can prevent you from getting sick with the flu.

• The vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor visits each year.

The flu shot can reduce the severity and the number of days you are sick.

• According to the CDC, “A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients” (What Are the Benefits of Flu Vaccination?, 2020).

The flu vaccine helps protect children and women during and after pregnancy.

• Vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by about one-half and it can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu.

Getting vaccinated yourself may protect the people around you,

• including those who are most vulnerable to illness, like babies, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.

The sooner you get the flu shot the better.

• It is better to get vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community because it takes about two weeks for the immune system to create the necessary antibodies to fight off the flu.

What are the benefits of flu vaccination? (2020, October 23). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm

Let’s not panic.  Here are the best ways to keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID-19:

Wash Your Hands Regularly.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should especially do this after going to the bathroom, sneezing and coughing, and before eating. When handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear A Mask.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Ensure to use a high filtration mask and change it often. A mask should be worn when around others and should not be taken off to socialize.

Cover Your Cough and Sneeze.

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Immediately after, throw away the tissue and wash your hands.

Clean and Disinfect.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily. These can include counter tops, doorknobs, light fixtures, phones, keyboards, and toilets.

Practice Social Distancing.

Put at least 6 feet of distance between you and others. The CDC recommends that when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain to wear a mask.

As we age, most of us would like to stay in our homes for as long as possible. For some seniors, this is not possible; however, for others a few adaptations can greatly increase their independence and safety while in the home. Use this checklist to ensure your loved ones’ homes are safe and they can be as independent in their homes for as long as possible.

Living Area:

• Are there area rugs?
  • Remove all throw rugs. Area rugs can pose as a tripping hazard.
• Is there adequate lighting?
  • Add additional lighting or color strips on steps or change in floor heights.
• Are there electrical cords that could pose as a tripping hazard?
  • Run electrical cords behind furniture and use power strips if needed.
• Is furniture an appropriate height to enable senior to get up and down without difficulty?
  • Make sure furniture is at an appropriate height with arm rests that can assist in getting up.

Bedroom:

• Are there area rugs?
  • Remove area rugs and ensure carpeting is level and even.
• Is there clutter that makes getting around difficult?
  • Remove clutter that can pose a tripping hazard and make it hard to maneuver around the room.
• Is the bed at an appropriate height?
  • Ensure feet can be flat on the floor and knees are not above the hips.
• Is there adequate lighting at night?
  • Consider using night lights and having flashlights near the bed.

Bathroom

• Are there grab bars near the toilet, tub, and shower?
  • Installing grab bars are a great way to help prevent bathroom falls.
• Is the toilet too low or too high?
  • Ensure your loved one is able to get on and off the toilet without trouble.
• If there is a tub, are they able to lift their leg to get into the bath?
  • If not, it would be a good idea to have a walk in shower installed.
• Is the floor of the tub/shower slippery?
  • Use non skid material in the tub/shower to help prevent falls.

Kitchen

• Are the cabinets at an appropriate height?
  • Make sure items in cabinets are accessible.
• Is there clutter on the countertops or floor?
  • Keep commonly used items within reach.
• Is food properly stored?
  • Make sure food is not spoiled and properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Is there enough lighting?
  • Consider under counter lighting.

Entryway

• If there are steps, are handrails installed?
  • Ensure there is at least one hand rail at stairs.
• Is the walkway level?
  • Repair unlevel walkways or add handrails.
• Is there adequate lighting at night?
  • Add outdoor lighting or motion activated lights.

The holidays can be a fun and joyful time for some, but sad and stressful time for others. Loneliness, unrealistic expectations, and financial troubles can cause anyone worries, but especially people that are prone to depression.

Plan Time for Yourself

Between all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make sure you plan time for yourself. Set aside time for relaxing pastimes you enjoy such as reading a book, yoga, or taking a nap.

Focus on What Matters

The holidays shouldn’t be all about the presents. Focus on the important things during the holiday season such as spending time with friends and family.

Forget Perfection

From decorating to looking for the best gifts, trying to make the holiday season perfect can put much unnecessary stress on yourself. Set realistic goals and reach out to friends and family to share the tasks.

Cut Back on Commitments

Figure out what you really want to do during the holidays, and make sure you prioritize those things. It’s okay to say no to everything else.

Don’t Isolate Yourself.

The holidays can be a sad time for people that don’t have anyone to celebrate with. Reach out to others that may be lonely.  If you don’t have anyone to be with, volunteer to help those in need.

Last year’s flu season was the worst we have seen in years. Here are some things you need to know about this year’s flu season so you and your loved ones can best prepare.

When is Flu Season?

Flu season is from October to late April/early May.  Peak season is typically December through February.  According to the CDC, February typically presents the highest number of cases that result in the most hospitalizations.

What are Common Flu Symptoms?

Symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and head aches, runny nose, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe lethargy. These symptoms may very per person.

Why Should You Get the Flu Shot?

Although the flu shot does not guarantee you will not get the flu, it greatly reduces the risk of contracting it and it will reduce the symptoms if you do get it. Getting the flu shot also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Who is Most at Risk for Contracting the Flu?

Everyone is at risk for contracting the flu. Young children, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions are most at risk for suffering more complications resulting in hospitalizations if they do get the flu.

How Can You Prevent the Flu?

Getting the flu shot is the number one way to prevent yourself from contracting the flu. It is also very important to wash your hands, get plenty of sleep, wipe down countertops, and stay hydrated. Stay home from school or work if you are feeling sick to help reduce the transmission of the flu.

As people age, they will typically take more medication to manage existing health conditions and to prevent new ones from emerging. As the medication list continues to grow, remembering which medications to take each day and how often can become a challenging task. According to the American Geriatrics Society, 30% of seniors in the United States have a negative reaction to prescribed drugs, typically due to either forgetting to take their medication or doubling up on the doses of medication. Here are some tips and information to develop a plan that works for you or a loved one:

Caregivers can assist a loved one with medication management in the following ways:

• Keep an up to date list off all medications
• Schedule frequent doctor appointments
• Bring a medication list to the doctor and ask about contraindications and treatment overlap
• Set a medication routine
• Check medications for expiration dates
• Organize medications by time of day or dosage

Assistive technology can be used to assist with individuals that have memory deficits, decreased strength, and impaired cognition.

• Pill boxes
• Pill bottle warning label stickers
• Pill crusher and splitter
• Timer caps
• Mobile reminder app
• CVS, Publix, and Walgreens pharmacy apps

Pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and Target, can provide various adaptations to assist with medication management:

• Specialized labels: letters, contrasting background colors, different fonts, and font sizes
• Tamper proof packaging to ensure dosage is accidentally not being increased
• Adapted pill bottles: easy open caps, timer cap, color rings to identify who the medication belongs to
• Stay consistent with one pharmacy

Be in the Know:

• Side effects of the medication
• Dosage
• Time to take the medication
• Proper storage
• If medication should be taken with food.

What is It:

While newborns are the most susceptible to a heat rash, they can affect everyone from babies to older adults. Heat rashes are especially common during the summer months when it is hot and humid.  A heat rash occurs when sweat ducts are clogged.  The perspiration becomes trapped under the skin, which causes inflammation, redness, and can become itchy.  At times, the rash appears to look like tiny blisters.

How to Treat it:

Typically, a heat rash will go away on its own within a couple of days; however, severe conditions may need medical treatment.  The best way to treat a heat rash is to avoid sweating and going out into the sun.  Try to keep the skin cool but avoid heavy ointments that may block the pores.  Wear breathable fabric that will all the sweat to evaporate.

When to See a Doctor:

See a doctor if the rash does not begin to go away within a couple days, begins to get worse, or shows signs of infection.  These signs of infection can include fever, pain, warmth around the affected area, and pus draining from the blisters.

How to Prevent a Heat Rash:

To help prevent a heat rash, avoid wearing tight fitting clothing. Try to dress in cotton or another soft, lightweight material.  When its very hot, avoid staying in direct sunlight for too long.  Take breaks from the sun and move into the shade or an air conditioned building. Ensure that your sleeping area is kept cool.

Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30.  Hurricanes can bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, rip currents, storm surge, and tornadoes. All of these can can cause water, power, and gas outages and damages to homes, offices, and roads.  Older adults may require even more planning during hurricane season to make sure they are prepared for the worst.

Caregivers for seniors should be aware of the following:

• If your loved one’s residence has a disaster plan in place
• If their residence is able to withstand hurricane force winds
• Where they would go in the case of an evacuation and how they would get there
• If there is enough food and water to last a week

Already having a plan in place before a hurricane strikes can give you and your loved one a piece of mind.  Here are some steps to creating a hurricane preparedness plan:

• Create a support system of family members, friends, and neighbors.  Write down a list of their phone numbers and inform them of the plan.
• Make sure there is a way to stay informed if power is lost.  Purchase a battery operated radio so you can receive weather alerts. There are some radios made for people that are deaf or hard of hearing.
• If your loved one is not going to stay at home during a hurricane, make sure they are aware of the evacuation route and have a means of transportation.
• Locate an emergency shelter location that is near by.
• Create a hurricane preparedness kit with extra medications, eye glasses, medical equipment, flashlights, food for service animals, and any important documents that may be needed.
• Include your pet in your plan.  Not all hurricane shelter allow pets, so ensure that a neighbor or friend can take them in case of evacuation.

Many people do not realize how essential it is to set up an emergency plan.  It is important to know which type of disasters may affect your area. There are many things to consider for you and your family members before disaster strikes.

Discuss an emergency plan with your family.

You and your family should discuss what your evacuation plan is and your evacuation route. You may not be with your family when disaster strikes, so you should discuss how you are going to communicate with each other. Phone systems may be down, so you may need to step up an alternate form of communication. You should also collect a copy of the contact information of all family members, doctors, schools, and service providers.

Consider the needs of your loved ones.

You and your family should discuss the dietary needs of each individual, the medical needs, including medication and equipment, disabilities and functional devices required, and pets and service animals. If you have a loved one that undergoes routine treatments by a healthcare facility, find out their emergency plan and identify backup providers.

Deciding to stay or go.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, you will have to decide whether to stay put or evacuate. A plan should be put in place for both possibilities. If you are advised to evacuate, you should do so immediately. You should make arrangements in advance if you are going to evacuate. If it is safer to stay put, ensure that you have supplies that will last you at least a week.

Create an emergency supply kit.

Create an emergency supply kit with basic supplies that includes nonperishable food, water to last at least 3 days, a battery operated or hand crank radio, flash light with extra batteries, first aid kit, and pet food.

Practice your emergency plan with your family.

During this flu season, hand washing is especially important. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of disease.  This video teaches children, parents, and caregivers the proper steps to hand washing.