Beat Cold and Flu Season from Retirement Communities in California

Don’t let sickness get you down this season!

As the seasons shift from fall into winter and the weather gets colder, sickness can unfortunately become more likely. Here at our California Retirement Communities, our residents’ safety and health is our top priority. We go to great lengths to ensure a clean, sanitized, and safe environment for them to call home. Here are some important tips for beating the flu and staying healthy and safe all year round! Keep reading to stay on top of the cold and flu season this winter.

Stay Protected with Vaccinations

If you or a loved one has a pre-existing condition or a compromised immune system, getting the flu or a cold can make symptoms of that condition more severe. As we age into our golden years, developing complications from the flu and common cold such as pneumonia or bronchitis can be more likely, as well. This can lead to much longer time needed for recovery. Due to these reasons, it is recommended that you talk to your physician or other healthcare professional about vaccination options for you or your loved one.

Lower Your Risks of Getting Influenza

Taking precautions to protect you and your loved one’s health and safety is important all year, but especially when the risk for colds and influenza is higher in the winter months. To keep yourself and those around you healthy, here are some helpful guidelines to follow:

• Say no to unnecessary travel plans and large crowds, as poorly-ventilated airports and planes can make exposure to sickness more likely
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, and avoid being near others when you are sick
• Incorporate exercise when you can, as staying active boosts the immune system and could reduce risk of a cold
• Regularly disinfect high-traffic surfaces like counter tops and doorknobs

Use Lots of Layers

As the temperatures get cooler, it’s important to keep yourself and your loved ones warm and bundled up. Dress in layers and wear loose clothing. Hypothermia, cold, and the flu can occur relatively quickly after being exposed to even mildly cold temperatures, so precautions should be taken. Stay indoors during the early morning and late night hours if you can, as that’s when the temperatures tend to be lowest. When outdoors, be vigilant about bundling up with gloves, scarves, and hats to stay warm and healthy.

Use Common Health and Hygiene Practices

Our final tips for beating the flu and keeping yourself or your loved one safe this season is to follow these three everyday hygiene practices: wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid touching your face if at all possible, and stay hydrated with plain water. Washing your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds keeps germs at bay for yourself or your loved ones. Sickness can quickly enter the body through the mucus membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoiding touching your face when possible gives you that extra layer of protection. Finally, ensuring you get in lots of water each day strengthens your immune system and helps you battle pesky germs.

At each of our California Retirement Communities, we know that it’s not always fun to think about the possibility of getting sick. We don’t want sickness to get you down this season, which is why it’s important to be proactive!

For more information on any of our beautiful California Retirement Communities, or to schedule a tour with us, contact our team today!