Illnesses increase for the elderly this season
Posted on: 08/Dec/2015 10:20:27 AM
The wet and chilly weather in Chennai has increased the aches and pains of the elderly in the city. Geriatricians in the city have expressed concerns about the increase in the number of cases during the past month.
Doctors say that most of the patients come in with respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. They stress on the necessity of extreme cleanliness during this season. They also insist that exercise is a must.
(We are) seeing 30 to 40 more cases a day this month. A majority of patients have urinary tract infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sinusitis and fevers... We are stressing personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, to all of our patients. We are also telling them to cut their finger nails and toe nails regularly as dirt under these could lead to gastrointestinal problems... What I am most worried about is pneumonia. It can be a killer in old age. I am advising all my patients above the age of 60 to get a pneumonia vaccine and, for those with conditions such as asthma, to get the influenza vaccine too... Exercise is a must. Seniors can go for short walks, and those who can afford it, can go for physiotherapy. Conditions such as Parkinson’s and stroke also get aggravated this season, making exercise crucial. Constipation and dry, itchy skin can be combated with plenty of fluids and mild soaps and lotions... If an elderly person at your home is sleeping more than usual or not eating properly, check their temperature. And caregivers must remember that in the elderly, there are subtle rises in temperature during an infection — even 99 or 100 Fahrenheit is high and must be brought down immediately. Administration of Paracetamol, cooling the body with a damp cloth and hydration are all necessary, they say.
Doctors have advised steps that can prevent illnesses in the elderly, as well as their caregivers. First and foremost, they insist on washing hands thoroughly. Although this must be done frequently throughout the day, it is especially important before meals. People must remember to drink plenty of fluids. As a precautionary measure, pneumonia and influenza vaccinations are advised. It has also been advised to eat at home as much as possible. Lastly, one must try and exercise everyday.
