Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
After the stress of the holidays, it’s not uncommon for us to feel worn out and a little under the weather. Unfortunately, when our immune systems are down, it creates a higher risk of catching the flu. In fact, around 10 percent of Americans contract flu-like symptoms each year. And, for in-home caregivers, the risks of catching (and spreading) the flu are even greater. Any illness can impact the well-being of homecare clients and caregivers, which can also greatly hinder your ability to provide the best care possible to a loved one in need of support.
To prevent the flu from harming your clients or making you too ill to provide adequate care, here are a few precautionary steps to follow that may prevent flu symptoms from affecting homecare services:
A flu shot can prevent you from catching the flu or make its symptoms less severe. Of course, the flu shot is not a guarantee that you won’t catch a strain of influenza, but it’s an essential preventative measure.
This may be something you want to keep around all year round, just to be safe. Include things like disinfectant wipes for surfaces, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and a thermometer. Help your client make one to keep inside the home, and be sure to make one for yourself, too!
Many consider a main symptom of the flu to be an upset stomach. However, the symptoms are typically more similar to that of a common cold, such as a headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and/or fever.
Despite the stress and busy lifestyle of caregiving, it’s absolutely essential that you also take care of yourself. This means getting regular exercise, eating properly, drinking plenty of water, and washing hands often!
For more tips on how to provide the best homecare services possible, whether or not it’s flu season, visit the Best Home Care website. If you’d like more information on our services, contact us today!
