Senior Citizens' Guide to Seasonal Flu

People over 50 should be immunized against seasonal flu. That's the most important step most older people can take to get safely through the flu season, says Karen Hall, M.D., Ph.D., a University of Michigan Geriatrics Center specialist.

According to a report in SeniorJournal.com, older people who come down with flu-like symptoms should stay home, but promptly contact their primary care physician to carefully monitor their symptoms. They may be priority candidates for antiviral drugs, usually best started within 48 hours of the flu's onset, to make their flu less severe and complications less likely.

If you have a high fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, don't wait. Call your healthcare provider and describe your symptoms, says Hall. Anyone with shortness of breath or chest pain should go to an emergency room.

It's important to get vaccinated against seasonal flu now, or as soon as possible, says Hall, as seasonal flu is already circulating in the community.

The University of Michigan provides the following tips to avoid catching the flu:
Wash hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently.
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

Practice good health habits:
Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritiously, and drink fluids and exercise.
Avoid crowds and contact with people who are sick.
If grandchildren or other children in your life have a flu-like illness, avoid seeing them until about 72 hours after they've stopped having symptoms.

Following are tips for persons who have flu-like symptoms:
Stay home and get in touch promptly with your doctor.
Get lots of rest, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease symptoms and remember to drink plenty of liquids.
Avoid social contacts that are not essential.
Remember, you are infectious two days before coming down with symptoms and until you have had fever for 48 hours.