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Seasonal Allergies, Respiratory Illness, and Seniors: Remaining Healthy and Comfortable this Season

March 27, 2023
Morgan Thomas
With spring here, you may be one of the millions affected by seasonal allergies. While it’s pleasant to watch the seasons change and the flowers bloom, for many people, especially seniors,  this season means discomfort in the form of sneezing, coughing, puffy eyes, and many other unpleasant symptoms. Here are some ways you can reduce discomfort this spring and save a few dollars on tissues:
Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Don't hang laundry outside! Pollen will stick to clothes, towels, and sheets.
Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

Moreover, like most things, prevention is key. Here are a few tips to keep you from exposure to allergens like pollen and dust:

Check your local TV station, or on the internet, to know about today’s pollen levels. (If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications, like oral antihistamines, before your symptoms start.)
Close doors and windows at night if possible or any other time when pollen counts are high.
Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Keep indoor air clean! Air purifiers are great for this.

Don’t let seasonal allergies keep you from enjoying the outdoors this spring! By taking the proper steps, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy the weather without the sniffly downside. 

With flu and respiratory virus season still active, and the flu being notorious for being unpredictable, it is not unreasonable to expect another peak in activity in the coming months. For example, respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms - but for at risk older adults, can be extremely dangerous. Moreover, the rise in RSV cases should not be underestimated to be isolated in children, and it is important to assure that your family is always exercising proper care when it comes to handwashing and mask wearing when coming into contact with our elder family members Each year, it is estimated that 60,000 to 160,000 older adults are hospitalized due to RSV. You can prevent this by:

Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices

At BrightStar Care of Center City, we recognize the importance and value of always prioritizing the immunity and health needs of your elderly loved ones. By offering services such as grocery store assistance, companion care, and activity accompaniment, we can assure you that we are doing all that we can to keep you safe, healthy, and informed today, tomorrow, and in the future.