This section presents the basic principles that can help prevent or minimize the risk of a viral infection.
Avoiding contact with infected people
Viruses are airborne. Therefore, a few sneezes are enough for the infection to move freely from one organism to another. To prevent this, it is advised to avoid contact with ill people or those who have symptoms that may indicate a cold or a viral infection.
Maintaining social distance is important in the case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is particularly dangerous for people who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or immunity disorders, as well as for the elderly in general. It is necessary to minimize contact with people who may be ill with the disease asymptomatically. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended to keep a distance of 1.5 meters or more away from other people.
It is also worth limiting leaving home (especially during the periods of increased number of infections). It is vital to make sure that the elderly person continues the treatment and medication as directed by their doctor – it is important to have a minimum of two weeks supply of the prescription and over-the-counter medications.
One must not skip scheduled medicals and check-up appointments. If necessary, it is good if the caregiver or some other person living in the same apartmentcan help the elderly person with obtaining the necessary telephone advice or receiving an e-prescription, which they will then realize without having to visit the clinic in person.
Protective masks
To some extent, wearing a protective mask on the face can protect the elderly from the virus circulating in the air. This action is aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, particularly in public places mainly as a result of contact with an infected person who is unaware of the infection.
Make sure to remove the mask in a proper way without touching the face and replace it as frequently as it is recommended by the manufacturer.
Proper hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is a very important aspect in the prevention of viral infections. Places such as shops, means of public transportation and churches are hotbeds of viruses. A large number of people in the same space increases the likelihood of virus transmission.
Also, it is important to remember not to eat without washing the hands first. It is also advised to avoid touching the mucous membrane (mouth, eyes, nose) with dirty hands.
Hands should be washed regularly and properly (see the section: hand washing hygiene). This can be done using water and soap (regular or antibacterial one) or with the use of antibacterial liquids or gels.
Vitamin use
If taken regularly, vitamin C (even in the smallest doses, i.e. 200 mg per day) provides good protection against the development of infection. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system to fight viruses. If the infection has already occurred, taking vitamin C will alleviate it and the symptoms will become less severe. Similarly, a system’s immunity is stimulated by vitamin D.
Find out more about vitamin supplementation in the Module “Nutrition of the elderly”.
Vaccinations
Protective vaccinations are one of the preventive measures used to prevent viral infections or to ensure a milder course of the disease in case of infection. Influenza vaccines have been in use for many years. Based on the already existing influenza virus mutations and the formed hypotheses, new influenza vaccines are developed every year.
All antiviral vaccinations are voluntary. They are recommended for groups which are at high risk of viral infection. This group also includes the elderly. The order for the administration of an antiviral vaccine is given by a general practitioner.
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