While fall brings with it sweaters, corn mazes, and all things pumpkin spice, it also marks a peak in respiratory virus illnesses.

As the new season begins, Care Resources Clinical Quality Manager Bethany Graham says now is a serious time to focus on illness prevention, particularly for older adults.

“Every year in the fall, we start seeing an increase in influenza and COVID in the U.S.,” says Graham, who oversees infection control for Care Resources PACE, a community-based program that serves people 55 years and older. “Flu and COVID are viral illnesses that impact everyone differently depending on age and different risk factors.

“For our more frail, medically complex elderly population, these viruses can be really detrimental, so it’s important older adults – and those who care for them – work diligently to avoid illness each year.”

Medical professionals strongly recommend updated flu and COVID vaccines each fall to provide protection through the winter season when those viruses are more widespread in the community.

What else can caregivers of older adults be doing to help prepare for flu season? Graham says keeping open lines of communication about how everyone is feeling is key.

As the holiday season nears, Graham urges everyone to take personal responsibility of not spreading any illness.

To learn more on how to prepare and stay healthy for flu season, read the full list of tips here.

Last updated 9.26.2024 I H5610_WEB