You have all undoubtedly heard all the recent news about swine flu, but have you thought about what it means for the seniors in your life, your aging parents or you as a caregiver? To date, almost all cases in the North America have been mild. Just yesterday, President Obama released this official statement: “We are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the United States. This is obviously the cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it’s not a cause for alarm.

However, according to the World Health Organization, the number of confirmed cases of swine flu worldwide increased to 236 on Thursday; this is a substantial increase from the previous day’s total of 147. [spin]Anyone with an aging parent or a senior in their life, including all certified senior care managers, should be concerned about the recent swine flu pandemic and the potential risks for seniors. This group is at particular risk due to difficulties recovering if exposed. It is imperative to ensure that all home health care aides are educated about swine flu Prevention Guidelines as prescribed by the CDC Center for Disease Control(CDC). Getting relevant information from all active caregivers, including recent travels and experienced flu symptoms, is a key component of prevention.

There are some steps that professional and family caregivers can as well as the community at large can take to decrease exposure and combat symptoms of swine flu. The Center for Disease Control is always updating their website, but the current guidelines and information about swine flu for caregivers is as follows: The symptoms for swine flu basically resembles those of the seasonal flu; fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Some patients also report diarrhea and vomiting. If you have symptoms, see your doctor or visit a community clinic. A doctor or medical provider’s diagnosis is very important and prescription antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the appearance of the symptoms. If you are ill, avoid travel and do not go to work or school. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based cleaners and hand sanitizers. Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then discard the tissue.

Or if necessary, remember to use your upper sleeve, not your hands. If you’re healthy, wash your hands often and avoid ill people. The swine flu virus’s incubation period is within 24 to 48 hours. Make certain to follow any new developments regarding public health advice, such as avoiding crowds. Develop an emergency plan with the senior care caregivers. Your plan should include maintaining a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essentials.