Winter is a healthy season for older persons, who are more vulnerable to various infectious diseases in winter due to their reduced physical functioning, their relatively weak immunity and their poor ability to resist infection. Knowledge of anti-infection prevention and treatment in winter is important for the health of older persons.
Infectious diseases of the elderly in winter
During the winter, infectious diseases common to older persons are concentrated in upper respiratory infections, lung infections and urinary system infections. Upper respiratory infections are often caused by viruses, such as influenza virus, and symptoms include nose plugs, aldicarb, ache, cough, etc. Pulmonary infections, on the other hand, are more serious and may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or paragens, among others, and older persons may suffer from high fever, increased coughing, respiratory difficulties and even severe respiratory failure. Infections of the urology system are more common among older women, and are associated with changes in the physiological structure of women and in the physical functioning of older persons, which can be seen in urination frequency, acuteness and pain.
Ways to increase the resilience of older persons
A rational diet is the basis for increasing resistance. Older persons should eat protein-rich, vitamin-friendly food. Protein can choose skinny meat, fish, beans, etc., which help maintain normal functioning of the body and repair damaged tissue. Vitamin C, vitamin D, etc., are critical for increased immunity, fresh vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins, and the intake of citrus fruits and green leaf vegetables can be increased appropriately during the winter. In addition, adequate vitamin D supplementation has helped to increase immunity, especially in the light-time-poor winter, while encouraging older persons to sun up to promote vitamin D synthesis.
Moderate sports are also essential for older persons. During the winter, appropriate sports methods, such as indoor walking, tao-tai punch, etc., may be chosen depending on the state of the body. Sport promotes blood circulation, enhances CPR function and improves body resistance, but with care to avoid overwork and fall.
Adequate sleep is equally important. Older persons should be guaranteed 7-8 hours of sleep per day, and good sleep contributes to physical recovery and normal functioning of the immune system. The creation of a quiet, comfortable and warm sleep environment is essential to improve the quality of sleep.
Daily protective measures
Clean and ventilated living environments are key to preventing infection. A regular daily window ventilation of about 30 minutes each can effectively reduce indoor bacterial concentrations. The indoor temperature is maintained at 20 – 22°C and the humidity at 50 – 60% is more appropriate, which is not conducive to the growth of pathogens.
The personal hygiene of older persons requires special attention. Hand-washing, especially after meals and after contact with the outside world. Handwashing with soap and mobile water can effectively remove the disease from hand. During the high-prevalence flu season, access to densely populated sites is minimized and, if necessary, masks are preferred. In the case of some older persons who are in bed for long periods of time, care is taken to keep their bodies clean, to change their clothes and sheets regularly and to prevent scabies and urin system infections.
Meaning of vaccination
Vaccination is an important means of combating infection in the winter of older persons. Influenza vaccine can be effective in preventing influenza virus infections, and it is recommended that older persons be vaccinated each year before the onset of the influenza season. Pneumonia vaccine has had a good effect on the prevention of pneumonia caused by pneumocococcal, especially among older persons with chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, etc. For older persons whose physical condition allows, such as the vaccination of herpes to prevent the associated diseases caused by the virus may also be considered.
Attention to early symptoms and access to treatment
Attention is given to early symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, cough, urination, urination, etc., in older persons. Some simple measures can be taken first, such as more rest, water, etc. However, if symptoms persist or are aggravated, such as continued fever of over 38.5 °C, increased cough effects on breathing, difficulty in urinating, etc., timely medical treatment should be provided. Doctors are informed of the medical condition and state of health, and are examined and treated in cooperation with them.
In general, the prevention of infection in the winter of older persons requires a multi-pronged approach that enhances resistance, provides day-to-day protection, provides timely vaccinations and focuses on physical change. Only in this way will older persons be able to safely survive cold winters and to reduce the harm caused by infectious diseases.
