As the weather changes and summer moves to fall, viruses like the cold and flu become more prevalent. Children are back in school and pick up viruses from their peers. That spreads them to you and other family members. Plus, it may become cooler, so more people stay inside while socializing, which spreads germs quickly.
You want to keep your mom healthy, but it’s definitely harder as the seasons change. What can you do to lower the risk of her contracting a virus from others?
Make Sure She’s Had the Flu Shot
Once a year, ideally in October or November, make sure your mom gets her flu shot. It’s not always going to prevent the flu, as there’s no way to predict exactly what strains of flu will hit. But, if she gets the flu, it’s less likely to be severe or lead to complications that require hospitalization.
While she’s getting her flu shot at her doctor’s office, a flu shot clinic, or participating pharmacy, ask about the COVID booster too. She may be due to a coronavirus booster to protect against the new strains. Other shots she may need include shingles and pneumococcal.
Get Her in the Habit of Washing Her Hands Often
When she’s out shopping or visiting others, make sure she gets back in the habit of washing her hands after touching things, if she’s stopped. Hand sanitizer is a secondary option that can help if she’s not near a sink.
Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Ideally, your mom should always follow a healthy diet, but she may slip up from time to time. Everyone does. When it’s cold and flu season, she should be sure she’s eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods. Leafy greens, tomatoes, berries, citrus fruits, onions, and garlic are all great for helping the immune system.
Keep her stocked up with soups. If she has a slow cooker, you can put a large can of crushed tomato, chopped kale, a few minced garlic cloves, homemade bone broth, barley, and frozen mixed vegetables into the pot and let it cook all day. It’s an easy soup to throw together, and it’s full of nutrients.
Stay Home If You’re Sick
What if your mom is okay, but you’re the one who is sick? You help your mom each day, but you have the flu. You cannot risk spreading it to her. Stay home and hire home care assistance services while you recover.
Home care aides can do everything you do to help your mom with her daily tasks. Home care assistance helps prepare meals and snacks, clean the home, and change sheets and towels. Your mom’s caregiver can drive her to a clinic to get her flu shot or COVID booster, or assist her as she runs errands. Call to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Phoenix, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources at (602) 443-4700.
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