It’s Cold Season – Can Seniors Avoid Them?

Home Care Services Skokie IL - It’s Cold Season – Can Seniors Avoid Them?

No one wants to catch a cold. They’re miserable. Coughing, running nose, scratchy throat… For older adults, having a cold can be even more awful. Colds are caused by different kinds of viruses. One of the most common is the rhinovirus. In seniors, rhinovirus can develop into a serious respiratory infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults can expect to have 2 to 3 colds each year.
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While you cannot expect to avoid them all, there are ways you can help your aging relative to reduce their chances of catching a cold. Here are some tips for preventing a cold. 

Frequent Hand Washing 

This tip is right at the top of the list of cold prevention tips for both the CDC and WebMD. That’s because hand washing removes germs and prevents them from entering into the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. People touch their faces dozens of times each day, so if there are germs on the older adult’s hands, they could get in and cause a cold. To get rid of germs, your aging relative needs to use soap and scrub for about 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. 

Avoid Contact with Sick People 

Keep your aging relative away from people who already have colds. Ask people to stay away when they have a cold. Instead, suggest that they keep in touch with phone calls, emails, and cards. Save visits for when their cold is over. Also, when the older adult is out in public, advise them not to shake hands or hug other people. They can simply politely say, “I’m trying to avoid catching a cold, so I’m not shaking hands. But, I’m really happy to see you.” 

Disinfect Surfaces 

Germs can linger on surfaces for hours or even days. Get rid of them by disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, such as counter tops, faucets, and door knobs. It’s a good idea for the older adult to carry sanitizing wipes with them to wipe down the handles of shopping carts, too.  

Home care services can help your aging relative to avoid catching colds this winter. Home care services providers can remind the older adult to wash their hands several times each day. They can also help to prevent people who are ill from coming in contact with your loved one. A home care services provider can field calls from friends and family who are planning to visit and ask that they only come if they are well. Home care services providers can also keep the house as germ-free as possible by washing countertops and other surfaces with disinfecting cleaners. 

Sources :  https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/avoid-cold-flu#1 

https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2015/january2015/rhinovirus-in-the-elderly-the-commonest-of-colds 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Skokie IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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