Mailbag: STAY Healthy in a Senior Home
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 19, 2023
“We’ve unfortunately had to put my 90-year-old mother in a home. I’m so worried she’s going to get sick (especially with COVID still around). Is there anything I can do to help protect her?”
Sam from Prattville, AL
Hi Sam,
Your situation sounds familiar.
My father is in a senior living center with about 300 people, and he has to use caution to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and other infections all the time. So, I understand what you’re up against.
It’s especially challenging because of medical privacy laws. The management can’t let other people know If someone gets COVID-19 or another highly infectious virus.
The best protection against COVID-19 (and other infections) remains…
- vaccines,
- masks,
- avoidance,
- good hygiene, and
- good health.
Although we’re all aware COVID-19 spreads through micro-aerosols in the air, it’s not the only way this sneaky virus is passed along.
A study published this year confirms that large droplets landing on hands and surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of the virus.
That means frequent hand washing and keeping your hands away from your face can significantly reduce risk.
And be sure that frequently touched surfaces (such as light switches, remote controls, tables, and chair arms) are regularly cleaned with a product proven to kill viruses.
Keeping a container of wipes approved to kill COVID-19 in the room, such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, is an easy way to remind others to clean surfaces.
Research also confirms that those who practice social distancing and wear masks are less likely to become infected.
So, whenever you hear about cases of COVID-19 in the building (or a big uptick in the community), staying in the room until the infection rate drops again is a good strategy.
Plus, ask visitors and caregivers to mask until the coast is clear. Placing a box of K-95 masks near the door can encourage folks who forget to bring their own to strap one on when they enter the room.
Finally, we learned from the pandemic that anyone who isn’t in the best of health is liable to have a harder time fighting off all kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
So, anything you can do to support the immune system with good nutrition, supplements (at least a multivitamin and extra Vitamin D), and regular good quality sleep can help reduce risks.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Source:
“Risk factors and vectors for SARS-CoV-2 household transmission: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study,” The Lancet Microbe, Open Access, Published: April 06, 2023, doi. org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00069-1
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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