As of early January, widespread flu activity has been reported in 49 of 50 states. Hawaii is the only state listed as having local activity instead of widespread. In New York alone, there was an 86 percent increase in patients hospitalized with the flu in the last week of December.
The 2017/2018 flu season is shaping up to be a bad one. Already, more than 47,000 positive flu tests have been run at medical practices throughout the U.S. If your parent hasn’t had the flu vaccine, there’s still time. If they cannot have the flu vaccine or didn’t get it in time, here are symptoms to watch for.
Flu Symptoms
A fever, cough, and headache are common symptoms of the flu. The flu hits without a gradual build-up or warning. Your body will ache, and you’ll feel drained. You might get the chills with the fever.
When coughing is present, the chest may ache. You may experience a runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Those last three symptoms are not as common, but some people do experience them when they have the flu.
Steps to Take if You Suspect You Parent Has the Flu
If you think your mom or dad has the flu, call the doctor. While there is no cure, there are medications that can help them get over the flu’s symptoms faster. The doctor may want to run a lab test to verify it is the flu.
Underlying medical conditions can be worsened by the flu. This includes asthma and cardiovascular disease. The doctor may suggest your parent goes into a hospital setting where constant monitoring can happen until the flu runs its course.
If your parent battles the flu at home, keep plenty of water available. Fluids are essential, especially if there’s a fever involved. Nausea is not a symptom of the flu, but your parent may sleep a lot and not want to eat a full meal. Light foods like homemade soups and broths are good. Pureed soups are easy to drink and can contain a range of nutrients.
Make Sure Someone Checks In
When your mom or dad has the flu, someone should check on them. If you can’t take time off work, hire a caregiver. Your parent needs to be monitored to make sure the flu isn’t progressing into pneumonia and causing breathing issues. They may also need help getting drinks and foods throughout the day.
Talk to an elderly care agency about having a caregiver help out when your mom or dad has the flu. You can use the service for a few weeks. You may find your parent loves having help and wants to keep the caregiver to help with housework, meals, and companionship. Call an elderly care agency to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/2017-2018/archive/2017-12-30_flu_report.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME ELDERLY CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.
