It seems that everyone in the greater Toronto area has been sick this month—between colds, the flu, Covid, norovirus and other ailments, it’s been hard to avoid coming down with something. That said, certain parts of the population are more vulnerable to illnesses than others, including the children and older individuals in our lives. For example, research indicates that seniors (aged 65 or older) are six times more likely to die from the flu than younger adults, and that a case of influenza increases a senior’s risk of heart attack and stroke for months to come. Similar risks are present with norovirus and Covid, and for those reasons, prevention is key.
In addition to getting your flu shot and other immunizations, there are ways to prevent illness (and prevent the spread of illness when you are sick). Please read on for more details and contact us if you’d like to discuss high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas. We’d be glad to hear from you.
Wash your hands
While this advice may seem simple (and obvious!), it’s an important reminder. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is an effective way to stop the spread of germs, keeping yourself and others healthy. Wash your hands before and after going out in public, before visiting seniors, before and after handling food, and throughout the day as needed. It can also be helpful to sanitize high-touch areas of your home including countertops, door knobs and light switches. Our caregivers can help with this task during a shift.
Consider masking in public spaces
If you regularly visit at-risk family members such as aging parents, consider wearing a mask in public spaces when viruses are running rampant in your community (for example: at your workshop, at your children’s school or more broadly within your region). Alternatively, you could wear a mask when visiting your aging loved one. This step is particularly important if you’ve been exposed to someone who is ill or have any symptoms of illness yourself.
Eat well
Eating healthy, nutritious foods can support a stronger immune system, so pay attention to what you (and your aging loved ones) are consuming. Drink plenty of water, take your vitamins, get a rich variety of nutrients in your daily meals, add superfoods to your diet and minimize your alcohol intake. Not only will this give your immune system a boost, it will help you feel your best during these cold, dark winter months.
Stay home when you’re sick
If you’re not well, try to contain your illness instead of sharing it with others. This means staying home when you’re sick (or wearing a high quality face mask, if you have to be in public spaces). Go back to our first tip (handwashing) and keep your distance from others as much as possible. By being conscious of how germs spread and doing your best to keep others safe and healthy, you’re contributing to the wellness of your entire community.
Thanks for reading, and stay healthy—spring is just around the corner!