During the winter, viruses survive longer in the air and on surfaces, which results in more people becoming infected and sick.
Older adults are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like the flu and pneumonia because as we age, our defense systems take longer to respond and become less efficient.
“It is important that we help our defenses by eating a balanced diet and applying the appropriate vaccines,” says geriatrician Dr. Itamar Casale.
Main diseases
Respiratory viral infections are a major disease that occurs in the elderly during the cold season, and antibiotics are not effective against them.
“If we don’t take proper care of ourselves, these infections can progress to pneumonia, which will most likely require some antibiotic treatment,” the expert commented.
Another common problem in winter is metabolic imbalance, as when the weather gets colder and you spend more time at home, the consumption of pleasure-inducing foods such as sweets, bread and chocolate increases.
“The problem is, a lot of times we do this without restraint, causing problems with our blood sugar (sugar) and/or lipids like cholesterol,” he mentioned.
It’s also common at this time to cover older adults with multiple layers of warm clothing, which causes them to sweat and may cause them to become dehydrated if they don’t drink as much fluids.
Geriatricians recommend the following care measures to prevent serious illness:
- Keep vaccination plans updated. The main vaccinations in winter are influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. These are usually provided by health systems. Another vaccine recommended to be kept updated is the shingles vaccine, which can only be purchased privately.
- Drink more fluids during this season, which can be consumed through broth, juice, tea, fruit, gelatin and water.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
- Maintain a balanced diet suitable for physical activity and try to avoid excess carbohydrates in bread, biscuits, sweets, chocolate, etc.
- Don’t cover up too much and ask the senior what temperature they feel comfortable with.
- Follow medical instructions.
- If you want to travel or avoid any complications, a medical evaluation consultation is recommended.
Find it in…
Angeles Hospital
Office 520
Phone: (656)793-2774
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