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40 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | OCTOBER 2017 | Question: What do I need to know about the flu season? Flu season begins in October and can go until April. For seniors, it is especially important to be cautious during this time of year. People over the age of 65 are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu. Getting vaccinated for influenza can ensure you are able to fight off the virus. In addition to the flu vaccine, seniors should also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine will help to fight off pneumonia, meningitis, and other bloodstream infections. These viruses are often the result of a flu-related complication. For seniors especially, contracting one of these viruses can be extremely serious, making it that much more important to consider the vaccine. What can you do ahead of time to be prepared? Stock up on supplies. Be ready before cold and flu season starts. Load up on tissues, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure it contains pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants or cough syrups. Test your thermometer to make sure the batteries still work. Be strict about washing hands. Germy hands spread colds and the flu. Make sure you scrub your hands well with soap for 20 seconds. Recite your "ABC's" while washing your hands to assure you wash for 20 seconds. Set up sanitizer stations. Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in every room. Make sure it's at least 60 percent alcohol. Use a squirt as you pass by — and get everyone else to do the same. Disinfect. You don't need to spend all day spraying every surface with disinfectant. You may just want to disinfect some heavily touched items like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones each day. Switch to paper goods. Use paper towels instead of hand towels in the bathroom. Switch out glasses for paper cups, and toss them after one use. Fill the fridge and pantry. Stock up on some easy-to-make foods for lunches and dinners, in case you need a few days to rest and recover without cooking. Make sure you have some chicken soup available. Rest. Whether you're trying to recover from a cold or flu, or trying to avoid it, get plenty of sleep. If you do find that you are experiencing flu symptoms, reach out to your primary care doctor for assistance. Here are some symptoms to look out for: body aches, headaches, chills, fever, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, or fatigue. It is best to be on the safe side and seek medical advice. For any questions or a needs assessment visit please contact Jennifer Trebler Partridge at (951) 663-1060. "Ask a Question"