Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by flu viruses. The symptoms usually come on suddenly and can include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 5%-20% of United States residents will get the flu. The flu spreads mainly from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. It can also spread when a person touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.
Seniors and those receiving personal home care, as well as those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at added risk of complications from the flu. Complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus/ear infections. The flu can also make chronic health problems worse.
For those that receive in-home care, some steps can be taken to reduce the spread of the flu. First, it's important to protect those not sick. Avoid contact with the sick person, especially if you have a chronic medical condition. The sick person should always cover their mouth when they cough and wash hands often with soap and water. The CDC recently increased the amount of time you should wash your hands from 15 seconds to 20 seconds. It's also a good idea to remind other members of the household, especially children, about the importance of keeping hands clean. The elderly, especially those with chronic conditions, can ask their health care provider if they should take an antiviral medication to prevent the flu.
The CDC also provides the following recommendations to protect other person in the home:
-the sick person should not have visitors other than necessary caregivers
-when possible, have only one adult in the home provide care to the sick person.
-avoid having sick family members care for seniors at high risk for complications.
-everyone in the household should wash their hands with soap and water after every contact with the sick person.
-when possible, use paper towels for drying hands after washing. For family members living in the household, designate a different towel for each person.
-when possible, leave a window open for better ventilation in shared household rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Reminders for Home Care Workers for Household Cleaning:
-keep surfaces clean by wiping them with a disinfectant.
-throw tissues and other disposables such as diapers in the trash and wash your hands after touching tissues and similar waste.
-wash lines and towels on a hot setting. Wash your hands after handling soiled linens and towels.
-dishes and eating utensils used by the sick person should be thoroughly washed before being shared.