10 Simple Ways Ways To Avoid Infection If You Are A Senior
It may be difficult for seniors to remember the best way to avoid getting an infection, but there are some important things they can do.
Here is a list of infection-preventing tips that will help seniors stay healthy and happy:
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1) Keep your hands clean at all times
Hygiene is one of the most important things when it comes to infections. Bacteria, viruses, and other things can get on your hands, clothes, or skin and potentially make you sick. To avoid this, make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before you eat.
Soap will in most cases eliminate any harmful bacteria, but if you’re in a hurry or don’t have any soap on hand, alcohol-based hand sanitizers will work as well.
2) Stay away from sick people
If someone close to you is sick, it’s best to stay away. Germs can easily spread from person to person, so you’ll want to make sure that you do everything possible to avoid getting infected. If someone does sneeze or cough near you, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Then throw it away after using it.
3) Don’t put anything in your nose unless told to by a doctor
A lot of seniors will pick things up off the ground and then stick them up to their noses, which can cause very serious infections. There are other ways for germs to get into your system, so be careful not to pick things up if they have fallen on the floor without first washing them or throwing them away. It’s also best not to use q-tips unless advised by a doctor.
4) Keep your body in good shape and exercise regularly
Doctors will tell you that exercising is great for keeping your body healthy because it helps keep the immune system strong to fight off infections. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, five times a week. When you feel sick, however, only do light activities such as walking around the house or going for a short walk outside. You don’t want to overdo it when feeling under the weather.
5) Have a clean environment at home where you can avoid getting sick
Make sure to have your living space cleaned thoroughly so there are no harmful bacteria lingering around. Also make sure that everyone in the household washes their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating, and whenever they come in from outside.
You also may want to consider getting air cleaners that reduce pollutants in the air. Make sure you keep them clean as well. It’s also advisable that seniors wear masks when they go outside to avoid germs.
6) Wash your hands after handling money
Studies show that cashiers can pick up all sorts of bacteria from money because it is handled by so many people every day. This will help avoid infections from harmful germs. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after you handle money, especially if you’re a cashier at a store or restaurant.
7) Don’t drink dirty water
Unclean water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses. Make sure to drink only clean, filtered water from a safe source. If you’re traveling in a foreign country, be extra careful about what kind of water you drink and make sure to only drink bottled water.
8) Get vaccinated
There are some vaccinations that can help seniors stay healthy by protecting them from common infections. The flu vaccine is especially important, as it can help prevent the flu virus from causing serious illness. Other vaccinations that may be of use include the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects seniors from various types of pneumonia.
9) Eat a healthy diet
A lot of times you’ll come down with some sort of illness because your immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. To help avoid getting sick, make sure that your diet consists of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish. It’s also helpful to drink lots of fluids throughout the day.
10) Get enough sleep
Getting at least eight hours of sleep per night can help keep your immune system strong and fight off infections easier. If you feel like you aren’t sleeping well or are having difficulties doing so, talk to your doctor about it so they can provide you with advice.
