Is it possible to get pneumonia in the summer? You might think that isn’t something that can happen at all, but many aging adults do end up with pneumonia no matter what time of year it is. This can occur for a variety of reasons, so it’s important that you and she both understand what she can do to avoid further complications from an unexpected bout of pneumonia.
Pneumonia Can Become an Issue at Any Time
Pneumonia is common during cold and flu season, but that doesn’t mean that pneumonia only occurs then. The reality is that the germs that cause pneumonia are always present and if your senior is more susceptible to them, that’s going to be a problem. Smokers, people with asthma, and people with COPD are most vulnerable. People over the age of 65 are also at greater risk.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia are the same no matter what time of year someone experiences them, but they might be easier to overlook in the summer. Chest pain, a cough that persists, fever, and fatigue are among the most common symptoms. Sweating, chills, and coughing up mucus can also be signs of pneumonia. It’s always important to have any of these symptoms checked out by your senior’s doctor.
Treating Pneumonia
Treating pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia that your senior has. Her doctor may run a variety of tests to determine exactly what type she has, and then may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments as necessary. Rest is going to help, and depending on how severe your senior’s illness is, she may need extra help. Home health care providers can assist with pneumonia recovery, ensuring that your loved one takes all of her medication, eats well, and is able to rest as much as possible.
Preventing Pneumonia
Preventing pneumonia might be easier than you suspect. Practicing good hygiene, especially with hand washing, can help significantly. Your senior’s doctor may also recommend that she gets a pneumonia vaccine on a yearly basis. Changing her diet and adding exercise can both help to bolster your elderly family member’s immune system, which is important if she’s been sick often.
People with pneumonia can easily relapse if they’re not fully healed and try to do too much, too soon. Help your elderly family member to take the time that she needs in order to recover as much as she possibly can.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home health care in Coppell, TX please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today. 469-293-1515
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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