Contributed by Senior Helpers
This holiday season, America’s senior citizens will be surrounded by people sneezing, coughing and spreading germs. It happens at the mall, the holiday concert, or the family dinner, and those germs could potentially be fatal. That’s why Senior Helpers, one of the leading providers of in-home care for seniors, is advising families to get their elderly loved ones a flu vaccine before the flu season arrives in full force.
Senior citizens have the highest risk of potentially fatal complications from the flu and almost two-thirds of seniors who get the flu end up in the hospital. That’s why making sure an elderly loved one gets a flu shot is the best holiday gift because it’s one of the most effective ways to protect a loved one.
Seniors are more likely to get the flu because the body’s immune system weakens as it gets older. But the Centers for Disease Control advise flu shots not only guard against the flu but also offer protection from flu-related complications such as pneumonia. The CDC considers flu season to run from November through April with its peak in February. And while flu shots are available well into flu season, it’s best to get vaccinated earlier rather than later so the body can build up immunity to the virus. Consider:
The CDC reports about 32,000 seniors aged 65 and older died from the flu and flu-related illnesses last year.
The CDC reports about 180,000 seniors were hospitalized from the flu last year.
The CDC advises flu shots reduce hospitalizations by 70%, deaths by 85%, and the chance of catching the flu by 80%.
The CDC advises people age 50 or older, and with certain chronic medical conditions, to get a flu shot.
This is something family members shouldn’t wait on; a flu shot helps provide peace of mind and helps to maintain good health.
