by Guest Blogger – John Stuck, Home Instead Senior Care Minneapolis
We all know the tell-tale signs: fever, cough, body aches, runny nose, and chills. During this time of year in, these symptoms typically mean the flu. 
If you’re over the age of 65, protecting yourself from the flu is serious business. As we age, our immune systems weaken making to fight illnesses like the flu. In fact, those over the age of 65 are more likely to be hospitalized or die from the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year. For people 65 years and older, there are two flu shots available. The regular vaccine is still available, but you may want to ask your doctor about the high dose vaccine.
Caregivers are also at high risk for getting the flu, and if not vaccinated can easily spread it. According to the CDC, the flu virus can be spread starting one day before symptoms are even present. Vaccination for caregivers is critical in the effort to keep themselves healthy, but also to keep those they care for healthy.
Regardless of your age, it’s also a good idea to remember cover your coughs, wash your hands often and avoid those who are ill. These are regular precautions that our CAREGivers take. If you start to notice those tell-tale symptoms, call your doctor immediately – there may be medications to help.
You can learn more about the flu by vising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coming down with the flu can be much worse. People who have COPD have compromised lung function and this puts them at a much higher risk for getting influenza. Once the flu strikes a COPD patient, it can be more severe also. Even the medications and inhalers they use puts them at an increased risk for pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment recognizes these risks and works to ensure that their CPAP and BiPAP customers are using equipment that is functioning properly and fits correctly. This, along with making sure they are vaccinated will help prevent the flu this season.
If you are concerned about your CPAP equipment’s fit or function, call or stop by any of their eight metro locations and one of their expert staff members can examine your mask supplies, check your pressure settings, fit you with a new mask if necessary and walk you through cleaning procedures.
John Stuck and his wife Kathleen have owned and operated Home Instead Senior Care Minneapolis since 2008. They are dedicated professionals with a commitment to delivering home care solutions for your family’s senior loved one with compassion and devotion. Home Instead Senior Care and Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment have partnered over the years on various initiatives, such as the Liberty Oxygen crown contest and Home Instead’s Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, to support our employees and clients. This month, we asked John to contribute an article for our blog. His blog site containing education for seniors and their loved ones can be found at http://seniorcareminneapolis.net/
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