In today's hectic world where many moms and dads are working longer hours, grandparents are now more actively involved in the day-to-day activities of their grandchildren. While providing routine childcare for grandchildren is a great opportunity for grandparents to develop a more meaningful connection with the grandkids, it also means seniors need to take special care to stay healthy during influenza season.
"During this time of year, children are significant contributors to the spread of the influenza and other viruses, both at school and at home," says Dr. Dave Greenberg, a general practitioner seen regularly on The Mom Show and Doctor in the House. "It's important that parents and grandparents use simple, effective strategies in order to stay healthy during flu season."
"Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or some antibacterial wipes at the door - that way kids can clean their hands as soon as they come home from school or daycare - before showering Grandma and Grandpa with lots of hugs and kisses," explains Dr. Greenberg.
If grandparents have been looking after a sick child, they should wash their hands often, especially after holding the child and touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. This will help to prevent spreading the infection to themselves and others.
Often mistaken for a cold, the onset of influenza is associated with fever, chills, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness, and fatigue. However, some times, fever may not be present in the elderly affected by influenza.

Yearly immunization is the primary method for managing the spread of influenza. By simply getting an influenza immunization, seniors can reduce their risk of contracting influenza by 50 per cent. Additionally, immunizing all household members reduces fever and illness symptoms by up to 80 per cent. Ontario is one of the few Canadian provinces/territories to offer a universal influenza immunization program (UIIP) for the entire population six months or older. Everyone should get immunized in an effort to protect themselves and those around them.
4,000 to 8,000 Canadians die every year from pneumonia related to influenza and the majority of these people are elderly. Ensuring that children get an influenza immunization could be life-saving if they are in contact with a grandparent or someone with a compromised immune system. Immunization against influenza lowers an elderly person's risk of pneumonia, as well as potentially decreasing the chance of being hospitalized and, worse still, dying.
The elderly are considered to be at high risk of experiencing complications due to influenza, yet many go unimmunized. A recent study found that the by providing universal access to influenza immunization to the public, influenza-associated deaths decreased for those 85 years and or older.
Talk to your health care provider about your family's "stay healthy" plan and visit www.gettheflushot.ca for more information on influenza immunization and details on where to find an immunization clinic in your area.(NC)