Reduce Your Risk: Post-Flu Exposure Prevention Tips

It's that dreaded time of year again: flu season. For seniors, avoiding the flu is especially important, as complications can be more serious. But what happens when prevention isn’t enough — when a grandchild visits while contagious, or a friend at your weekly card game comes down with symptoms the next day? Don’t panic. There are proven strategies you or your loved one can implement immediately after exposure to lower your chances of getting sick.

What is the Flu?

The flu, short for influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Unlike the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness, especially in high-risk groups, and can lead to serious complications. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, about one to four days after exposure to the virus. 

The flu often presents with a combination of the following symptoms, which can range from mild to severe:

• Fever (a temperature of 100.4°F) or above

• Cough and sore throat

• Runny or blocked nose and sneezing

• Muscle aches and body pains

• Headache

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• Loss of appetite

If you’re 65 or older, the flu poses more significant risks than it does for younger people. Why? As we age, our immune systems don't respond as robustly as they once did, leaving us more susceptible to complications.

Ways to Protect Yourself

If you find yourself in a position where you’ve been exposed to the flu, here are a few ways to keep those germs contained and at bay.  

• Monitor your symptoms. Check your temperature and watch for fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue. Be sure to contact your primary health care provider if any symptoms persist or worsen. 

  
  

• Call your doctor. Individuals with increased vulnerability to flu complications should reach out to their healthcare provider after exposure. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral treatment, which works to either block the virus from causing illness or significantly reduce the length and severity of symptoms.

  
  

• Get vaccinated. The single most effective way to avoid the flu? Get your yearly flu shot. Health experts advise that virtually everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, with only a few rare exceptions based on specific medical conditions. Talk to your primary health care provider for more. 

  
  

• Clean your hands. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself is washing your hands regularly. Soap and water are ideal, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a great backup when you’re out and about.

  
  

• Practice good hygiene. Keep germs in check by regularly disinfecting the surfaces you touch most often such as doorknobs, counters, handrails, and faucet handles. Equally important is maintaining your overall health through sufficient rest, daily movement, stress reduction, adequate water intake, and wholesome nutrition.

  
  

• Avoid close contact. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing flu symptoms or recovering from the flu, be sure to avoid close contact. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. 

  
  

Preventive Steps are Easier With Help

Protecting yourself or your senior loved one from the flu takes consistent effort — something that’s easier with the right support. Presidio Home Care aides help older adults implement these preventive measures through regular surface disinfection, hand hygiene reminders, nutritious meal preparation and hydration support. We also provide transportation to vaccine appointments and help manage daily routines to ensure adequate rest. Whether it’s prevention support or care during recovery, Presidio Home Care is your partner in staying healthy. Contact us today to learn more.