The flu is already dangerous, and this extra element of risk to health makes it even more so. Got in the door at 8:40AM. If you are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, vaccination is especially important. As a result of these studies, the CDC has made their own recommendations for the flu shot. This type of flu does not cause epidemics. Flu vaccines are updated each season as needed to keep up with changing viruses. In short, If you would like to find out more about Homecare Powered by AUAF give us a call at 773.274.9262 or take a look at our senior home care website. Cambridge, MA Inman Square | 617.714.4534. 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712  • In some cases, the flu is a contributor to death, even if it’s not the main cause. It can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces that an infected person touched without first washing their hands. It may sound dramatic, but getting a flu shot can actually make the difference of life or death for many seniors, especially those in nursing/retirement homes. First, excess buildup in the respiratory tract often leads to other illnesses like pneumonia. High-dose flu shot benefits elderly. Influenza C is the mildest form of the flu virus and is passed between humans and pigs. Finally, if you found this article interesting, and would like to read more about other issues affecting seniors, take a look at our senior living articles. Educating yourself and knowing your options are important. Why is the flu dangerous for seniors? Read more about pneumonia in seniors here. This helps to build a stronger immune system response after the traditional vaccine. With all the news coverage on this new, scary disease, it’s important to remember that panic is the real threat. Unfortunately, the cough and gag reflexes that induce a coughing fit become more suppressed as you age. Ultimately, the CDC noted positive correlations in effectiveness of both types of the “senior” flu shots. Flu season starts in October and goes through May, so getting the vaccine early is key. Great staff! It often leads to a hospital stay, and sometimes it can be fatal. While most people recover after a bit over a week, seniors and other people with reduced immune systems are at a greater risk of complications. In response to a regular flu shot, older people produce 50 to 75 percent fewer antibodies, which protect against the vaccine antigens, than do younger adults.Evidence that a high-dose flu vaccine can compensate for this difference originally comes from studies that found higher It is very likely that, as with the flu, the elderly will be the most at risk of death from Coronavirus. CareWell Urgent Care accepts all major insurance plans and Medicare. The new Coronavirus outbreak that began in China has quickly swept headlines across Canada. Whether the patients in question are fresh-faced toddlers or wizened retirees, getting them vaccinated at least a few weeks ahead of flu season is the safest option. Is the Flu Dangerous for Elderly Seniors? However, there is an illness affecting many seniors in Canada, and it’s something we’ve known about for a long time. However, this is still only about a 2% fatality rate, much lower than diseases like SARS or MERS. Home Care Powered by AUAF is located in Lincolnwood, IL and serves clients throughout northern Illinois including:   Albany Park, Chicago   •   Arlington Heights   •   Barrington   •   Bloomingdale   •   Evanston   •   Hoffman Estates   •   Irving Park, Chicago   •   Lincolnwood   •   Morton Grove   •   Mount Prospect   •   Niles   •   Palatine   •   Rogers Park, Chicago   •   Roselle   •   Schaumburg   •   Skokie   •   South Barrington   •   Streamwood   •   Uptown, Chicago   •   West Ridge, Chicago. var d = new Date(); Also, immunity wanes over a year so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against flu. Consequently, as we enter our senior years, our immune systems can’t fight infection as efficiently. Some people recover in about a week, while others can be at risk of serious, … However, coughing is actually a natural bodily reaction to excess buildup in your respiratory tract, meaning that your body is trying to clear itself of phlegm and other materials. The last thing I wanted to do was go into a medical facility right now. While that doesn’t mean all caution should be thrown to the wind regarding Coronavirus, it’s easy to get scared by something new and unknown, and forget about the disease that’s already here. Elderly people who get the flu or experience flu-like symptoms are at a higher risk of suffering from a stroke. Vaccination can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent. Age, without a doubt, is a factor in determining the severity of the case. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of the senior flu shot in many studies. Some other ways to protect yourself from the flu this winter: The best thing you can do is to visit a doctor if you start to develop flu symptoms. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu. When the weather starts to change, and the snow starts to fall, it always means one thing – the flu season is officially in full swing. Hence, this quality is represented in all areas of our practice. All Rights Reserved Luckily, there are simply (but very important) ways to reduce the risk of infection. Immunize Canada says the best time to get the vaccine is anywhere from October to December. Influenza spreads very easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and physical contact. Considering how dangerous the flu can be for the elderly, an annual flu shot can become a part of their annual health and wellness routine. Flu Danger and the Elderly January 23, 2019 How Dangerous is the Flu for the Elderly? If you have infants or toddlers in your family or you look after your parents, you might have heard that there are more potential health issues that can result from these types of people contracting the flu.