Yes, it is that time of year again. The flu shots are here!
Do you know that among older adults, complications from the flu is the 4th leading cause of death? The vaccine is 75% effective in reducing complications and death from flu. Annual flu vaccine is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for older adults, as the benefits far outweigh any risks. No, the flu shot does not give you the flu, as it is not a live vaccine. There may be some discomfort at the injection site but that subsides quickly.
Influenza, or flu, is airborne and so transmitted by coughing or sneezing. Germs thrive in low humidity and low temperatures; in other words, winter. Although the epidemics are usually from December through April, it is important to get the flu shot approximately five to six weeks prior to the flu season.
Fifty percent of elderly adults with chronic diseases are hospitalized annually with flu-related complications. The most common chronic diseases causing flu complications are COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease], cardiac disease, renal failure, and metabolic disorders. Among those that are hospitalized, 80% percent die.
Flu-related deaths are preventable so please remind your older friends and family members to get the flu vaccine.
[This information has been obtained from the MD-VIP member newsletter.]
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