As exhausting as it may be to hear news about the COVID-19 virus day in and day out, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and learn what safety precautions you should take to stay healthy. This ongoing pandemic has continued to pose a health threat to pretty much everyone, but is especially dangerous for the senior population. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can protect yourself and others from getting sick.
Coronavirus Protocols to Follow for Seniors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands often as a few easy ways to help keep yourself healthy. In addition to these, the following recommendations can also help protect you from contracting the COVID-19 virus:
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes – Be sure to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your arm when you cough or sneeze. If sneezing or coughing into a tissue, always throw it away directly after use. By covering your mouth and nose, you’re helping prevent particles from traveling through the air and being breathed in by other people.
- Clean and Disinfect Frequently – It’s very important to both clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your living area daily. This includes items like tables, doorknobs, countertops, handles, light switches, desks and sinks. You should clean these surfaces using a detergent or soap and warm water. To disinfect the surfaces after you’ve cleaned them, use products that have been approved to help kill the COVID-19 virus.
- Monitor Your Health Regularly – Pay special attention to how you’re feeling and monitor for any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. If you start to experience symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, you’ll want to be cautious about where you go and who you interact with. If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor for further advice and assistance.
- Get a Flu Shot – A simple way to help keep yourself healthy is by getting your annual flu shot. While the flu shot doesn’t protect you from the COVID-19 virus, it can help reduce your risk of contracting the flu. If you do experience flu-like symptoms, a flu shot can help you rule out the flu and seek testing and treatment for the COVID-19 virus sooner.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
As of late 2020, two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the United States to prevent the COVID-19 virus. Here are a few key pieces of information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to know about the new vaccine:
- The COVID-19 Vaccine Has Been Shown to Protect Against COVID-19 – Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses in order for them to be as effective as possible.
- The COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe – The United States vaccine safety system ensures all vaccines are safe for citizens to receive. Reported allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are rare, but speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Additionally, the CDC has developed a tool called v-safe that adds an extra layer of safety monitoring to all vaccines.
- Healthcare Workers and Seniors are Priority – The first rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has prioritized healthcare workers, senior living communities, nursing homes and seniors. The ultimate goal is to ensure the vaccine is easily available in locations like doctor’s offices, retail pharmacies and hospitals.
- The COVID-19 Vaccine is Important to Ending the Pandemic – Receiving the vaccine is imperative to helping end this pandemic. If you’re still waiting for access to the vaccine, make sure you’re following the other precautions listed above to do your part in keeping yourself and others healthy.
For additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine, refer to the official CDC website.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. That’s why we continuously work to stay informed and implement practices designed to keep our residents and staff safe. You can also check out our Wellness Wednesday feature on Facebook for more helpful tips and suggestions to help keep yourself healthy.
Contact us today to learn more about our senior living options and everything we’re doing to ensure the wellbeing of all our residents and staff members.