Over 1.33 million seniors called Arizona home as of 2021, representing over 18% of Arizona’s population of over 7.27 million. Arizona’s climate is one of the main attractions for seniors because they don’t have to worry about shoveling snow or frigid temperatures. However, Arizona’s warm winters pose health risks, and following flu safety tips for the elderly living in the state can help Arizona seniors facing flu season during the state’s mild winters.
How Does Arizona’s Mild Winter Affect Flu Season for Seniors?
In 2024, Arizona recorded higher numbers of flu cases than usual early in the season. Although people typically think of the flu thriving in cold climates, humidity is a factor. Arizona’s dry climate makes it possible for the flu to spread.
Are There Specific Considerations for Seniors Living in Arizona During Flu Season?
Although Arizona’s warm climate benefits include the ability to enjoy outings year-round, higher levels of social engagement throughout flu season help increase seniors’ chances of getting the flu. Seniors in Arizona should take steps to prepare for flu season and protect their health. Seniors can use flu season tips to reduce the risk of exposure without isolating themselves during flu season.
What Are the Most Effective Flu Prevention Tips for Seniors in Arizona?
The flu poses a greater health risk for seniors and those with chronic health conditions. People who come in contact with the influenza virus can get the flu. Typically, people are exposed through contact with droplets people with the flu release into the air. Since symptoms can vary, it’s possible to be in contact with someone who has the flu and hasn’t developed symptoms yet or has mild symptoms and is unaware they’re sick.
Coughing, sneezing, and talking are all ways people disperse droplets into the air. Staying six feet away from other people is one way to reduce your risk of exposure. However, since it’s possible for contact with droplets on surfaces to cause infection, the best flu prevention practices in Arizona for seniors involve:
- Employing practical health tips to stay healthy, such as getting vaccinated
- Maintaining effective hygiene practices
- Employing healthy living practices
- Boosting their immune system
When Is the Best Time for Seniors To Get a Flu Shot in Arizona?
Getting a flu shot is one of the best flu prevention options for seniors because vaccinations prevent illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths each year. Although it’s possible to get the flu any time of the year, it’s most common from October through May. Getting a flu shot in October is ideal to ensure you’re protected during the most severe months of the flu season.
What Hygiene Practices Should Seniors Follow To Avoid the Flu?
Maintaining effective hygiene practices is one way for seniors to protect their health during the winter. Excellent hygiene practices involve the following:
- Covering your mouth and nose: Use a handkerchief or cough or sneeze into your elbow to keep your mouth and nose covered. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands.
- Handwashing: Wash your hands in running water using soap. Rub your hands together and lather the soap for 20 seconds before rinsing and drying your hands using a clean towel.
- Masking: Wearing a mask can prevent exposure to droplets containing the influenza virus.
How Can Seniors Maintain Healthy Living Practices During Flu Season?
These are some healthy lifestyle habits seniors can adopt to reduce the risk of getting the flu:
- Gloves: Wearing gloves is one way to prevent direct contact with droplets on surfaces. However, it’s also crucial you wash your gloves regularly.
- Housecleaning: Keep your home or personal space clean and eliminate any droplets on surfaces left by people with the flu.
- Social distancing: Seniors can keep six feet of space between themselves and anyone who might have the flu.
How Can Seniors Boost Their Immune Systems During Flu Season?
Embracing effective immune-boosting habits during Arizona’s flu season and throughout the rest of the year can help you stay healthy. Some immune-boosting habits you can adopt include the following:
- Eat healthy: A diet filled with vitamin and mineral-rich foods helps you stay healthy. Immune system-boosting foods include broccoli, grapefruits, green tea, lemons, oily fish, oranges, spinach, and strawberries.
- Manage stress: Higher stress levels prevent your immune system from working correctly. Use stress management activities like meditation or yoga to manage your stress levels.
- Sleep: Your immune system operates better if you get enough rest.
- Stay active: Staying physically active and exercising helps keep your immune system healthy.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration helps your immune system operate effectively, giving you the tools to fight viruses.
What Are the Symptoms of Flu Seniors Should Watch for, and When Should They Seek Medical Attention?
Typical flu symptoms include the following:
- Body chills
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Since seniors have a higher risk of infection and severe side effects from the flu, they must seek immediate medical care when they display symptoms. Severe side effects include the following:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
Seniors with any of these severe symptoms require immediate emergency medical care.
How Can Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions While Protecting Themselves From the Flu?
The best way seniors with chronic health conditions can protect themselves from the flu involves employing steps to prevent them from getting the flu, such as getting vaccinated and managing their health.
For example, those with diabetes can keep stocked up on foods they can eat to manage their diabetes and boost their immune system, such as unsweetened applesauce, juice, and soup. Eating foods enriched with vitamins is one way people with diabetes can manage their health.
Ideally, seniors should discuss their health with their doctor and follow their instructions to manage their chronic conditions and reduce their flu risk.
Skilled Nursing Care for Healthy Living and Flu Prevention
Seniors living at skilled nursing facilities have an expert team of dedicated health and personal care professionals who help them reduce their flu risk. At Haven Health, we ensure our residents enjoy the highest standard of living senior care facilities offer. Our team will keep your room clean, look after your laundry, and help you with personal care needs, ensuring you practice good hygiene and enjoy living in a clean environment with a reduced risk of virus exposure.
At Haven Health, we provide nutritious, vitamin-rich foods to help manage chronic health conditions, boost your immune system, and prevent illness. We also offer exercise programs and activities to help you stay healthy.
Sources:
Arizona’s Population 1900-2023. (2024).
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine. (2024).
Davis-Young, K. (2024). Flu, whooping cough are spreading in Arizona.
Flu and Older Adults. (2022).
Population of adults aged 65 and older in the United States in 2021, by state. (2024).