Flu season is here! Yup! Time to stay away from crowds and stock up on hand sanitizer. But, we all know that becoming a hermit is just not possible. So, it’s time to be smart …
Did you know that your elderly loved one is more likely to die from the flu or pneumonia than they are to die in a car accident?
The flu and pneumonia combine to rank seventh on the list of leading causes of death among seniors 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The good news: decreasing your loved one’s chances of contracting these—and other—preventable diseases is as simple as getting a shot (or two) in the arm. The CDC recommends the following vaccines for the elderly:
The information in this article was supplied in part by Anne-Marie Botek.
Shingles: Shingles is more common (and severe) among the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, so anyone over the age of 60 years should be vaccinated. Shingles generally manifests as a blistering skin rash, but it can also cause additional problems, such as: fever, hearing loss, and vision problems. A senior can (and should) get vaccinated, even if they’ve already had an outbreak of shingles.
The flu: While generally not dangerous to children and younger adults, the flu is deadliest among seniors 65 and up. There are three different types of flu vaccination available to the general public, but the only one recommended for seniors is a specially-designed, high-dose shot. The higher dosage is said to offer the elderly more protection than the traditional flu shot, and doesn’t expose an older adult to the live virus, like the nasal spray vaccine would.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: The vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are often given as a single shot. It’s recommended that everyone, regardless of their age, get a tetanus/diphtheria booster shot at least every ten years, or after possible exposure to the virus that causes tetanus.