What Seniors Need to Know About Flu Season & Vaccinations

Temperatures are dropping and cold days are here. Flu season has officially arrived. 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.

Every year, the flu vaccination updates to work most effectively in fighting off the illness, which is why you should receive the vaccination annually. This will keep your body more prepared to fight off the flu. Flu season can typically last from now until April. The vaccination will last during the entirety of flu season to keep you immune during the months the flu is most active.

For seniors, there is a high-dose vaccine that is created with people over 65 years of age in mind. This vaccine contains 4 times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot which will make your immune system stronger in fighting 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.

A great way to further assist in preventing the flu virus is to ensure you take precautions in your day-to-day life. If you have a home-care nurse or you live in a senior community, ask whether the staff has also been vaccinated. Be sure to wash your hands often if you happen to be in close proximity to anyone that may be sick, such as going to the grocery store or to the senior center.

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. You may experience some or all of these symptoms. It is best to be on the safe side and seek medical advice.

If you have questions about how to get the vaccination or want more information on the virus, contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance.

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    [post_date] => 2016-12-06 13:00:02
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    [post_content] => Temperatures are dropping and cold days are here. Flu season has officially arrived. 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.



Every year, the flu vaccination updates to work most effectively in fighting off the illness, which is why you should receive the vaccination annually. This will keep your body more prepared to fight off the flu. Flu season can typically last from now until April. The vaccination will last during the entirety of flu season to keep you immune during the months the flu is most active.

 

For seniors, there is a high-dose vaccine that is created with people over 65 years of age in mind. This vaccine contains 4 times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot which will make your immune system stronger in fighting 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.

 

A great way to further assist in preventing the flu virus is to ensure you take precautions in your day-to-day life. If you have a home-care nurse or you live in a senior community, ask whether the staff has also been vaccinated. Be sure to wash your hands often if you happen to be in close proximity to anyone that may be sick, such as going to the grocery store or to the senior center.

 

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. You may experience some or all of these symptoms. It is best to be on the safe side and seek medical advice.

 

If you have questions about how to get the vaccination or want more information on the virus, contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance.
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