The geriatrician warns of the dangers of taking anti-flu drugs without medical supervision
Summary
Geriatrician Simone de Paula Pessoa Lima warns of the dangers of handling flu drugs without guidance, as the most important treatment for the elderly is adequate hydration.
A common illness like the flu can pose a danger to older adults, beyond the common symptoms. While many resort to self-medication to speed recovery, doctors warn of the dangers of using these drugs without guidance.
In an interview with Earththe geriatrician of Health at home, Simone de Paula Pessoa Lima, says that several drugs used against the flu are combinations of painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-allergy drugs. These drugs promote sedation, which can promote falling in people over age 60.
“We can become drowsy, stumble more easily, sleep for a long time due to the drugs associated with the medicines you already use, and this leads to dehydration and at the same time we have to hydrate a lot to eliminate the secretion” , says the expert.
“Elderly patients are more susceptible to drowsiness and problems leading to falls due to drowsiness,” he explains. The geriatrician also emphasizes that it is important to specifically treat the symptoms caused by the flu and carry out a medical evaluation of each specific case, especially in times of increasing dengue fever and Covid-19.
“If your nose is running, it could be an anti-allergic, if you feel pain in your body, it could be an analgesic. When the patient is asthmatic, already has a respiratory problem and there is the possibility of a secondary infection in addition to the flu, frequent monitoring and auscultation of the lungs by the physiotherapist and the accompanying doctor is important ”, explains Simone.
It is worth remembering that, naturally, older people tend to be less thirsty and drink less water. The specialist classifies adequate hydration as the most important anti-flu treatment and advises against the indiscriminate use of drugs, especially for the elderly.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
