Flu in the Elderly

Does the timing of your vaccine play a role in how protected you are throughout the entire flu season? See what the CDC recommends for the best possible protection against the flu and related complications.

For elderly people, influenza can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, exacerbate existing chronic medical conditions and even cause death. Vaccinations are a senior’s best defense against the flu and related complications.

Seniors over age 65 should receive an annual flu shot to safeguard their health. A high-dose vaccine provides increased protection from infection in individuals who have weaker immune systems.

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the prevention and treatment of influenza. Get your facts straight and learn how to protect yourself and your aging loved ones from this nasty viral infection.

Frequent hand-washing prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria and is a fundamental part of infection control. Learn the best hand-washing techniques and discover which products for good hand hygiene can help keep you and your family healthy.

Many adults assume that their inoculation days are long over, but keeping up with recommended vaccine schedules throughout our lives is just as important as the initial doses we received as children.

Seasonal allergies can be just as potent in the fall as they are in the spring. No matter when they strike, the symptoms are the same: nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose and irritated sinuses.

Septic shock can develop from common infections and become life-threatening very quickly. Make sure you know the signs of infection and the symptoms of sepsis so you can seek treatment without delay.

Decreasing an aging loved one’s risk of contracting preventable yet potentially deadly diseases, such as Covid-19, flu or pneumonia, is as simple as getting a shot (or two). These are the CDC guidelines for senior vaccinations.

Adults over age 65 are at a much higher risk of developing and possibly dying from pneumonia. Learn what factors can contribute to this risk and how you can protect your loved one.

Also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatments for COPD.

The 2021–2022 flu season coincides with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Make an informed decision about your flu vaccine with these 5 facts about the flu shot, influenza and COVID-19.

Getting a flu shot may protect older adults from major cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes. People who receive the flu vaccine may decrease their heart attack risk by as much as 50 percent.

The flu shot is now available in a less-scary skin prick instead of a needle, but its only offered to people between ages 18 to 64. Elderly people must still endure the inch-long flu shot needle.

Spotting health problems, such as the common cold or a urinary tract infection, can be difficult in a senior with dementia when they can't communicate their symptoms.

Also known as breathing machines, ventilators are often used in hospitals as life support for patients who have difficulty breathing or who have lost all ability to breathe on their own.