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How do you treat the flu in the elderly?
There’s no cure for the flu, so the virus must run its course. Symptoms do respond to over-the-counter cold and flu medications, though. You can take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed for pain and a fever. It’s important to get plenty of rest to strengthen your immune system and fight the virus.
How long does the flu last in seniors?
Symptoms of a flu typically last for around five to seven days. For some older adults, particularly those with high risk factors, the flu may last one to two weeks. Some have reported experiencing cough and fatigue for up to three weeks.
How long do flu patients stay in the hospital?
The mean length of stay for influenza-related inpatient hospital stays for those aged aged 18 to 49 years in the U.S. during the 2015-2016 flu season was roughly 6 days. The statistic displays the mean length of stay for influenza-related inpatient hospital stays in the U.S. during the 2015-2016 flu season, by age.
What medical treatment is effective for the flu?
Antiviral drugs can help treat flu illness: Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Flu antivirals are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, intravenous solution, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
What is the flu shot for seniors called?
If you’re a senior and considering getting a flu shot this season, chances are your doctor will recommend a flu shot designed specifically for people ages 65 and older, such as a high-dose vaccine or adjuvanted flu vaccine. One type of flu vaccine for older adults is called Fluzone.
What are the side effects of the flu shot for seniors?
The high dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines may result in more of the temporary, mild side effects that can occur with standard-dose seasonal flu shots. Side effects can include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle ache and malaise, and typically resolve with 1 to 3 days.
How do you tell if the flu is turning into pneumonia?
When a virus causes your pneumonia, you’re more likely to notice symptoms over several days. Early signs will look like the flu — such as fever, dry cough, headache, and weakness — but get worse in a day or two.
What helps flu fast?
9 Tips to Ease Flu Symptoms Stay home and get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Treat aches and fever. Take care of your cough. Sit in a steamy bathroom. Run the humidifier. Try a lozenge. Get salty.
Is Tamiflu safe for seniors?
Tamiflu has been approved for use in adults, infants as young as 2 weeks, children, and pregnant women. Tamiflu does not work as well in patients that are over 65.
When does the flu require hospitalization?
Adults with a sustained fever of more than 102 degrees, as well as any combination of the below flu-like symptoms, should seek medical attention: Difficulty breathing. Severe chest or stomach pain. Vertigo and lightheadedness.
What are the stages of the flu virus?
A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern: Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose. Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable.
How long am I contagious with the flu?
Period of Contagiousness People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
What happens if influenza is not treated?
In some people, especially those at high risk, the flu may lead to complications that are more serious. Inflammation in the small lung airways with infection, known as pneumonia, is a serious flu-related complication. Pneumonia can be life threatening in high-risk individuals or if left untreated.
What is the best medicine for Covid?
Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol or Tylenol, helps to reduce fevers and can definitely help manage muscle pain and body aches associated with COVID-19.
What is the best antibiotic for the flu?
The CDC recommends baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) for flu. They are most effective when given within 48 hours after symptoms start to appear.
What is the difference between the senior and regular flu shot?
Some older adults may have weaker immune systems, which can lead them to be less protected after a regular flu vaccine. In response to a regular flu shot, older people produce 50% to 75% fewer antibodies, which protect against the vaccine antigens, than do younger adults.
Does Medicare pay for senior flu shot?
Medicare covers one free flu shot each flu season at no cost to you. You can receive a flu shot from any doctor or pharmacy that accepts Medicare. People who are 65 or older are encouraged to get the flu vaccine because seniors are more susceptible to the virus than younger adults.
Can the senior flu shot make you sick?
Mild symptoms may occur in some people after being immunized, especially those receiving the vaccine for the first time. Symptoms can include fever, headache, aching muscles and fatigue that may last 1 to 2 days. These symptoms are less severe and last a shorter time compared to influenza infection.
Which flu vaccine is best for over 65 2020?
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is a four-component (quadrivalent) flu vaccine approved for people 65 years and older.
Can the senior flu shot make you tired?
Some side effects that may occur from a flu shot include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache (low grade), fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. The flu shot, like other injections, can occasionally cause fainting.
Should you massage arm after flu shot?
To ward off soreness, massage the shot area immediately after the injection and move your arm around to keep the muscle moving and help your body absorb the medicine.
How do you heal your lungs after the flu?
Ways to clear the lungs Steam therapy. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus. Controlled coughing. Drain mucus from the lungs. Exercise. Green tea. Anti-inflammatory foods. Chest percussion.
Can influenza affect the brain?
Brain flu is a very rare neurological complication of the influenza virus. It can lead to an altered mental status and other neurological symptoms.
Can flu affect your breathing?
In severe cases of flu, fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and preventing oxygen from reaching the blood stream.
