Influenza and the elderly

The flu is a problem that we are all familiar with. Most of us experience bouts with the flu from time to time, and we may find that the pesky symptoms of the illness can keep us out of work and school for extended periods of time. However, there is a grave threat that influenza presents to both the very young and the very old alike. In this article, we’ll focus on the threat that the influenza virus presents to the elderly.
The highest rates of hospitalization due to influenza are found in the very old, with those over age 85 being the most likely to suffer at the hands of the illness. That problem is largely due to the fact that the immune systems of the elderly are not as powerful as the immune systems found in the rest of the populations. Extended problems with influenza can lead to pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death amongst senior citizens. For that reason, it’s important that those who are older to do all that they can in order to prevent themselves from getting the flu.
One of the most important things that a senior citizen can do in order to prevent an influenza infection is to get themselves vaccinated. The flu has many different strains which may become dominant or submissive, and for that reason, new vaccines are necessary on a year-to-year basis. The flu vaccine has been shown to have a likelihood of preventing the illness that rests between seventy and ninety percent. For those who are wary of injections, there is a new type of influenza vaccine available that is administered through the use of a nasal spray. While getting vaccinated doesn’t completely protect you from the threat of influenza, it does provide a good baseline for keeping safe.
Another thing to do is ensure that you are very hygienic. That means that you should wash your hands frequently, as the influenza virus is spread through contact with unsanitary places and people. If you are in an environment in which a flu outbreak has occurred, you may want to speak to a doctor about obtaining a preventative medication. There are potent antiviral agents available that can keep you safe from the influenza virus when others around you are afflicted, but they are only available by prescription. Also, if you’ve fallen victim to the flu, the same types of medications may be helpful to you when it comes to a quicker recovery from the illness. Remember that the flu season generally takes hold in early winter and doesn’t let up until the springtime – exercise specific caution during that time. If you are experiencing harsh flu symptoms that simply won’t go away, it’s important to speak with a doctor. The flu should be taken very seriously by senior citizens, as it can be a significant threat to your heatlh.

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