Elderly Can Reduce Risk of Flu

When you think about the flu, you likely think of healthy people getting it, staying in bed for a week, and getting over it. However, there are many people who die from the flu each year, and most of them are elderly. Elderly people have more of a chance of dying of the flu than anyone else. In fact, they have a much higher risk of flu complications than any other age group. So, if you are over the age of 65, you will need to take extra precautions against getting the flu this season.

The reason elderly people are at such high risk for getting the flu and developing complications from it is because of various factors. First, an elderly person’s immune system is not as strong as a twenty-year-old person’s immune system. As you age, your immune system finds it more and more difficult to protect you from certain things, including the flu virus. Many older people take vitamins and other supplements to boost their immune system, which is always a good idea. Eating a healthy and well balanced diet is also a way you can be sure your immune system is doing its job.

Another reason elderly people are at high risks for having flu complications is because many of them are already dealing with conditions of their health. For instance, some may have diabetes or high blood pressure. Others might be more susceptible to lung problems or pneumonia. Whatever it is they are dealing with, these pre-conditions are very difficult to deal with when combined with the flu. Most elderly people will die from a condition that spawned from the flu, like pneumonia. So, these secondary conditions should be treated seriously.

The good news is that elderly people can greatly reduce their risks of getting the flu if they get a flu shot. Even with the shortages of flu shots in the past few years, those over 65 years of age are always on the priority list of the first people allowed to get the flu shot. So, there is really no reason to pass it up. It could literally be the difference between life and death for some people.

Elderly people that cannot pay to see their doctor for their annual flu shot will be glad to know there are several different options when it comes to getting their flu shot. Some grocery stores will offer free flu shots in their pharmacy areas during the flu season. There are also free flu shot clinics in major cities. These may be limited to a specific group of people, but people over the age of 65 are almost always included in the groupings.

So, protect yourself if you are elderly. You should get your flu shot as soon as your doctor recommends you doing so. There is no reason to skip even one season of your flu shot, or you may be putting your health at serious risk. So, as soon as the end of summer comes, ask your doctor when you should get your flu shot.