It’s National Influenza Week. Now is an excellent time to stop and think about one question. Do you know the differences between a cold, the flu, or COVID? While they’re all viruses, they have similarities and differences that help you understand them. Having home health care services could help them through their illness.
A Cold
A cold is a virus that’s easily spread from person to person. Unlike the flu and COVID, you’ll rarely develop a fever. A stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat are the most common symptoms. It can take a whole week before you feel better.
The Flu
The flu comes on hard and lasts around ten days. A fever is common and can last several days. Headaches, exhaustion, a cough, and body aches and pains are also key flu indicators. Some people experience a runny nose and sore throat, too.
COVID-19
Two of the key indicators of COVID are the loss of taste and smell. A cough is also common. Fevers and exhaustion are also possible. Some people also experience aches and pains, a headache, and a sore throat. It can take a couple of weeks for the virus to pass, but some people experience long-term symptoms.
As it can be hard to differentiate between the flu and COVID, your mom or dad needs to get tested when symptoms appear.
What If Your Parents Are Sick?
If your parents are sick, they need to isolate. They need to wear a mask to limit the spread. Wash your hands frequently when you’re in their home helping out. Run an air purifier to try to clear germs from the air. Wipe down surfaces often with a cleaner that kills viruses and bacteria.
While you’re cleaning surfaces, make sure it includes wiping down phones, remotes, and light switches. Faucets, appliance handles, and doorknobs are also important.
Someone needs to wash their bedding and towels. Changing sheets and towels regularly and washing them in hot water and bleach kills any germs. Spray pillows with a sanitizing fabric spray.
How Can Home Health Care Help Out?
There will be some crossover, especially as new strains of these diseases appear. If you suspect your mom or dad has any of these, talk to their doctor. While a cold may be easy for them to battle on their own, the flu or COVID may require home health care nurse visits.
If your parents have chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, their needs will differ from other patients. A nurse can help with medication administration, dietary restrictions, and taking vital signs.
Nurses can communicate information with your mom or dad’s doctor and add IV lines for medications or fluids if necessary. Call our home health care agency to learn more.
If you or a family member need to hire Home Health Care Services in Plainview NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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