It only takes just 20 seconds to wash hands properly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of germs, including those resistant to antibiotics. Handwashing is an excellent prevention technique to decrease the spread of germs. Germs can spread on hands in different ways: Invisible to detect, even clean hands can contain microscopic dirt that gets into the mouth, nose, eyes and, eventually, into the body. In fact, 80% of infectious disease is caused by touch. While only a small portion of germs cause disease, four out of five germs do cause illness and are commonly spread by our hands. Over 200 different viruses cause the common cold. Infections can result when germs grow inside the body. Viruses are a type of germ that can enter a body and cause a person to become sick. However, germs play a major impact on who may get a cold. Seniors can take steps to increase their immune system with regular exercise and healthy foods. The flu can lead to infections such as pneumonia or complicate existing conditions, including asthma and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults over the age of 65 years, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu as immune defenses become weaker with age. Colds Can be Serious for SeniorsĪdult children should not overlook the effects of cold and influenza on their elderly parents. Families and caregivers of seniors should understand the importance of hand hygiene as one of the most important preventative actions to guard against germs that contribute to colds and other diseases. Finding ways to reduce cold risk becomes important for aging adults. And while the Centers for Disease Control recommends adults get an annual flu shot, no vaccine exists for the common cold. Vaccines become less effective and the healing or recovery process takes longer. Have you noticed that your aging mother or father gets colds more often? As we age, our immunity system slows, increasing the risk of colds and flu.
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