5 Ways to Avoid the Common Cold
Colds are more common during the colder winter months.
The virus is everywhere – both in the home and out of it. Your aging relative could encounter the virus when they go to the grocery store, their place of worship, or just by inviting others into their home. Well, the way to avoid a cold isn’t by staying away from the rest of the world. Your older family member needs to spend time with other people to be happy and prevent loneliness. So, what can an older adult do to avoid the common cold? Here are 5 practical tips.
#1: Wash Hands Frequently
This seems like common sense, yet many people forget to wash their hands after coming in contact with surfaces that might be harboring the cold virus. Cold germs are easily transferred from the hands into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth when your aging relative touches their face. To prevent the transfer of the virus, seniors should wash their hands frequently during the day, especially before eating. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer is an effective way to remove germs.
#2: Avoid People with Cold Symptoms
While socializing is important, it’s probably best for older adults to avoid people who have cold symptoms, which include:
- Runny nose.
- Coughing.
- Sore throat.
- Sneezing.
- Headaches.
- Body aches.
Ask friends and family not to visit the senior when they have a cold or think they may be coming down with one. When the older adult is in public, they should avoid shaking hands with or hugging anyone who has a cold.
#3: Stay Physically Active
Exercise strengthens the body, including the immune system. Research shows that people who exercise get colds less often than people who don’t. Encouraging your aging relative to take walks, join an exercise class, or exercise at home could help them to get fewer colds.
#4: Get Enough Sleep
Seniors should try to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep per night to prevent illness. Studies indicate that people who get enough sleep on a regular basis are more resistant to viruses. Going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning can help by signaling the body when it is time to sleep.
#5: Use Senior Care
Senior care can help older adults to avoid colds by following the tips above. In addition, senior care can prepare healthy meals that support the immune system. And, since cold germs can linger on surfaces in the home, having a senior care provider to wipe down counters, doorknobs, and other frequently touched surfaces can remove cold germs before the senior encounters them.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Linden, NJ, to assist a family caregiver, please talk to the caring staff at Shore Homecare Services today. Email us: info@shorehomecareservices.com or Call 732-534-5000.
Sources
Healthline.com
Webmd.com
Cdc.gov
