How to Prevent Mom from Getting Pneumonia

By Jessica Ott | December 18, 2018 | Comments Off on How to Prevent Mom from Getting Pneumonia
Elder Care Hanover PA: Checking Your Senior's Home for Accessibility and Safety While Visiting for the Holidays

Elder Care Hanover PA: Checking Your Senior’s Home for Accessibility and Safety While Visiting for the Holidays

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that sends about 1 million people in the United States to the hospital each year. It also causes approximately 50,000 deaths per year. Although pneumonia is a serious condition for older adults, there are ways to prevent it.

Annual Vaccines Essential

There are a couple of important vaccines that people aged 65 and older should get every year: the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Flu is a common cause of pneumonia, so preventing the flu can also reduce the risk of developing pneumonia.

The pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is important for seniors because one of the major risk factors for getting it is advanced age. In addition, having a weakened immune system, as many older adults do, increases the chances of getting pneumonia. Other risk factors include having chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.

In addition to flu and pneumonia vaccines, certain other vaccines can protect your aging relative from viruses that can lead to pneumonia, such as:

  • Pertussis.
  • The varicella virus (chicken pox).
  • Measles.
  • Healthy Habits to Prevent Pneumonia

In addition to vaccinations, there are several healthy habits that can prevent pneumonia, including:

Washing Hands: Seniors should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or blowing their nose. They should also wash their hands before handling food or eating.
Quit Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and makes them more susceptible to the viruses that cause pneumonia.
Disinfect Surfaces: Frequently disinfect surfaces that are touched often, such as countertops, faucets, and doorknobs.

Take Care of General Health: Leading a healthy lifestyle supports general health, which keeps the immune system and body stronger. A healthy lifestyle is one that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and rest.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Seniors with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes need to follow their doctor’s advice for managing the conditions, including attending regular medical appointments and taking medications.

Recognize Pneumonia Symptoms

Even with all these precautions, it is still possible for your aging relative to get pneumonia. To ensure the senior gets medical care as soon as possible, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, which include:

  • High fever.
  • Chills.
  • Coughing that produces green or yellow mucus.
  • Trouble catching breath.
  • Sweating.
  • Confusion.
  • Being extremely tired.

Elder care can help your family member to prevent pneumonia and tend to them if the condition strikes. An elder care provider can drive the senior to get their vaccinations. Elder care providers can also help to keep the house clean to prevent spreading the germs. Elder care providers can also assist with managing chronic conditions by reminding seniors when it is time to take their medicine.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home elder care in Hanover, PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions.  In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258
Sources

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/preventing-pneumonia.html

https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/prevention.html

https://www.webmd.com/lung/bacterial-pneumonia#1

Jessica Ott
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Posted in Elder Care Hanover PA, Pneumonia and tagged ,