Many of you have probably heard the recent reports regarding the unusual amount of influenza-related deaths this flu season. So why is this common illness so much more serious than in years past? The culprit is this season’s strain, H3N2, which is known to be a particularly nasty one. Experts are saying that flu vaccines this season may only have a 30%-40% success rate in preventing the illness, compared to a typical success rate of 40%-60%. This makes taking additional prevention steps that much more important. Here are some effective flu season prevention tips to help keep you from getting sick this winter:

• Stay Healthy – One of the most overlooked areas of flu prevention is your overall health. During flu season, it is more important than ever to build up your immune system. The best ways to ensure your body has everything it needs to prevent the flu are:
  – Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night
  – Eating a balanced diet
  – Exercising 3-4 times per week
• Wash Your Hands – It’s very important to wash your hands regularly during flu season, especially after being in public.
• Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose and Mouth – This is the most common way that influenza is transmitted, so make sure to wash your hands before doing things like eating or taking out contact lenses.

If, despite all of these terrific prevention tips we’ve mentioned, you still happen to catch the flu, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent spreading the flu to others and to ensure a quick recovery. Some important steps to take after contracting the flu are:

• GOING TO THE DOCTOR – A common misconception is that the flu cannot be helped with medicine. FALSE! Anti-viral drugs are known to shorten the duration of influenza by 1 to 2 days, not to mention helping to prevent flu complications like pneumonia.
• Staying Home – One of the most fool-proof ways to preventing the spread of the influenza virus is to remove yourself from others until the illness subsides.
• Covering Coughs and Sneezes – This one is a no-brainer. COVER YOUR MOUTH PEOPLE.

One of the most important things to remember is that it is NEVER too late to get your flu shot. This is still the most effective way to prevent catching the flu. As you age, you become increasingly more vulnerable to the flu virus, making it that much more important for seniors to get vaccinated.

Luckily, The Wellington Senior Living is here to help! Too sick to come to lunch or dinner? We’ll bring your meals right to your room for you. Too sick to pick up your medications? We’ll help you set up a delivery system for your prescriptions. We’re here to be a lifeline in your time of need!

Looking for a family-oriented, independent-living community for you or a loved one? At The Wellington Senior Living, we provide the perfect balance between independence and support, with the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships through fun events and activities. For more information, contact The Wellington Senior Living today.