Five Tips That Will Help Your Elderly Parent Through the Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is never a fun time for anyone, but for the elderly, it can be especially rough, and even serious depending on their existing health. Finding ways to get through the season and contracting as few germs as possible is key. However, try as you may, it’s almost impossible to avoid all the bugs out there. So, if your elderly parent is currently suffering from a cold or has the flu, here are some tips that can help make it a little easier for them.

Set Up a Humidifier in Their Home

A humidifier can offer all kinds of relief when they are suffering from a cold or flu. It can help to ease dry sinuses, cracked lips, and bloody noses (common when you have a nasty cold). Sometimes, it’s worth it just to use the humidifier at night when you are forced to breathe through your nose due to your clogged sinuses. Having a cool mist humidifier run while you’re sleeping will keep your throat moist so you don’t get a painfully dry throat.

Instead of paying top dollar for a humidifier, you can always make one for your parents. Visit the DIY Experience website and look at the various types of humidifiers and instructions on how to build them. You’ll find options for beginners and those with a little DIY experience.

Pick Up Some Vapor Rub

Another really simple product that can help to make a huge difference is vapor rub. The rub can be used on the chest and it can be quite handy to put a small dot under the nose so it is breathed in. It can be applied throughout the day and night as needed.

Plenty of Hot Beverages

Hot beverages can make a huge difference to a person’s comfort level while they are sick. Herbal teas are best with a bit of organic honey in them. This will coat the throat, help to soothe a cough, and honey helps to boost the body’s immune system.

Get More Sleep than Usual

In order for your body to fight off the germs, it needs energy, which can leave a person feeling extremely exhausted. It’s a good idea to encourage your parent to get as much rest as possible, whether they take naps or just rest in bed. If your parent is finding it hard to sleep because of their stuffed up nose, provide an extra pillow to prop them up.

Good Ol’ Chicken Soup

If there’s anything that’s going to make a person feel better, chicken soup is just that. Not only is it easy to eat when you’re stuffed up, but it’s also easy on the stomach and can even help to reduce inflammation in the body. This means the symptoms of the cold will be reduced.