INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PREVENTING THE FLU
SPONSORED CONTENT
PREVENTING
THE FLU
in Older Adults
F
lu season is in full swing and it’s important to older
adults, and those who help them, to take extra
precautions for flu prevention. Unfortunately, senior
citizens are especially susceptible to seasonal influenza,
and people who are 65 years and older are at greater risk of
serious complications from the flu because human immune
defenses become weaker with age.
FLU VACCINE
The best and safest way to ensure good health during flu
season is to get vaccinated with a flu shot. A flu shot every year
ensures year-to-year safety due to the always-changing nature of
the flu virus.
Healthy seniors and people who have prolonged contact with
seniors should be vaccinated. At Asbury Heights, part of UPMC
Senior Communities, the health, wellness and safety of the
residents is the top priority. Flu vaccines are required for all staff,
and they are offered for free for residents. No medication is a
substitute for flu vaccination.
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Additional prevention should be exercised during flu season,
which typically runs from October through March and overlaps
with the holidays.
WASH HANDS
Doorknobs, telephones and shopping cart handles are
common carriers of “respiratory drops.” Washing your hands
often, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the
best ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs
to others.
For handwashing to be effective, you must scrub your hands
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — or hum the
“Happy Birthday” song twice. If soap and water are not available,
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You can also regularly disinfect surfaces with sanitizing wipes
or rubbing alcohol.
LIMIT EXPOSURE
A sick person should skip visits with a senior to make sure
the senior remains as healthy as possible. If a visit is necessary,
it’s important for the sick person to wear a mask, avoid close
contact—touching, hugging, kissing or shaking hands—and
wash hands to prevent the spread of germs.
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Contact Cathy Glumac at 412-571-5387 or
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IF YOU GET SICK
Should a senior begin showing flu-like symptoms, such as
cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, and/or muscle
aches, consult with his/her healthcare provider to determine if
it is the flu and what treatment options would be the best. The
best natural treatment for the flu is plenty of rest and fluids.
To learn more about Asbury Heights or to arrange a tour, visit
our website at www.asburyheights.org, call 412.571.5138, or
email [email protected].
This Industry Insight was written by David A. Nace,
MD, MPH
700 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon • asburyheights.org
Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
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icmags.com
Director, Long-Term Care and Flu Programs
Division of Geriatric Medicine
University of Pittsburgh
Chief of Medical Affairs
UPMC Senior Communities