How can the elderly prevent influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases in winter and spring?

This is the 4790th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Winter and spring are the peak seasons for respiratory infectious diseases. The elderly are more susceptible to respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza due to their declining physical functions and weaker immunity. Once infected, the elderly are not only prone to serious complications such as pneumonia, but also aggravate the original disease and even endanger their lives. Therefore, it is crucial for the elderly to take preventive measures to protect their own health.

1. Elderly people should strengthen personal protection

1. Wash your hands frequently

The elderly should develop the habit of washing their hands frequently, especially after touching items in public places. When washing hands, use soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to cleaning the fingertips, finger gaps, and palms.

2. Wear a mask

During the peak influenza season, the elderly should try to avoid crowded places, such as supermarkets, vegetable markets, etc. If you go out, it is best to wear a mask and change it regularly.

3. Keep indoor air circulating

Open windows regularly every day to keep the indoor air fresh. You can place some green plants or air purifiers indoors to help improve the air quality.

4. Maintain social distance

In addition to being transmitted through the respiratory mucosa, respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza can also be transmitted through contact. When you go out, don't touch things or touch your mouth or nose with "dirty" hands to reduce the risk of contact transmission.

2. Enhance your immunity

1. Eat a balanced diet

The elderly should maintain a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and A, such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc. At the same time, they should ensure adequate protein and water intake.

2. Moderate exercise

The elderly should choose appropriate exercise according to their physical condition, such as walking, Tai Chi, etc. Moderate exercise can enhance physical fitness and improve resistance. But be careful to avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous exercise.

3. Get enough sleep

The elderly should ensure adequate sleep time, no less than 7 hours a day. Sufficient sleep helps the body recover and enhance immunity.

4. Avoid bad living habits

Avoiding bad habits such as smoking and drinking can also help prevent respiratory infections.

3. Vaccination

It is generally recommended that people over 60 years old get a flu shot once a year and a pneumonia shot every 5 years to reduce the risk of getting the flu and pneumonia. Before getting vaccinated, consult a doctor or professional to ensure that your physical condition is suitable for vaccination.

Flu vaccines are produced based on the flu strains predicted by the WHO. The flu strains are different every year, so we need to get the flu vaccine of the season every year. In addition, the flu season is generally from November to March of the following year, and the peak of the flu season is usually in January and February. The human body can produce enough antibodies 2 to 4 weeks after we get the flu vaccine, and the protective antibodies generally last for 6 to 8 months. Therefore, the best time to get the flu vaccine is from the end of September to October every year.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a major threat to the health of the elderly over 60 years old. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the elderly receive one dose of pneumonia vaccine. Now some parts of the country have added "pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly over 60 years old" as one of the new major public health service projects. Elderly people who meet the conditions can receive one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for free.

4. Regular health check-ups

Elderly people should have regular health checks, including monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids and other indicators. Regular health checks can help identify potential health problems in a timely manner and take appropriate preventive and treatment measures to prevent serious complications from influenza.

5. Seek medical attention promptly

If you have fever, cough, sore throat and other symptoms, the elderly should seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to treat respiratory diseases on your own to avoid delaying the disease. When you seek medical attention, you should inform the doctor of your physical condition and illness so that the doctor can better evaluate and treat you.

In short, during the peak seasons for respiratory diseases such as influenza in winter and spring, the elderly can adjust their prevention methods according to their own circumstances. Maintaining a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing influenza.

Author: Shanghai Tongji Hospital

Institute of Big Health Engineering Management

Li Jun