What Seniors Should Know About the Flu Vaccine

January 3, 2018

Influenza, or the flu as it’s more commonly known, is a viral illness that affects the respiratory system and can be easily spread from person to person.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the 2015-2016 year showed that the flu was contracted by 25 million people, hospitalized 310,000, and killed 12,000 people within the United States (deaths from pneumonia were also included in that figure). Seniors over the age of 65 are at a particularly high risk of falling ill from the virus. The agency estimated that between 71 and 85 percent of all seasonal flu-related deaths and 54 to 70 percent of all seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur within the senior demographic.

However, from 2015 to 2016, the flu vaccine successfully prevented 5 million illnesses, over 2 million doctor visits, and 71,000 hospitalizations. The vaccine can be highly effective in stopping the spread of the flu. Since seniors are so susceptible to the illness, it’s important that they are knowledgeable about all things surrounding the illness and its vaccine so they can protect themselves during flu season.

 

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Flu Season and Virus Spreading

Flu season occurs during the time of year when the virus can travel from person to person with the most efficiency. Colder temperatures typically facilitate easier transfer and the season usually lasts from October to May, with its peak occurring between December and February. However, the CDC noted that the 2015-2016 season peaked in mid-March and was one of the latest peaks on record.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, severe coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. It’s contracted when a healthy person encounters droplets of moisture contaminated with the virus. These droplets can travel through the air via coughing, sneezing and talking, or they can collect on an object touched by an infected person. Most people are relieved of all symptoms within a week of falling ill, but the virus can be spread up to a full day before any symptoms are present. Those infected can still pass the virus along for around seven days after their symptoms have passed.

Basics About the Vaccine

The body loses some of its ability to fight illnesses as it ages. For seniors, this could mean they contract the flu more easily than people younger than them. The vaccine can be administered in one of two ways – via a shot into the muscle or a nasal spray.

For the 2016-2017 flu season, the CDC recommended only the shot be administered. The influenza virus changes often, and vaccines must adapt to it. The CDC determined that the shot would be the most effective protection for this year.

The vaccine contains either dead or weakened versions of the virus known as antigens. When they enter the person, antigens create antibodies that fortify the immune system in preparation for influenza at full-strength.

There exist two comparable vaccines that are offered for people over 65. The Fluzone High Dose and FLUAD are both FDA-approved treatments that exceed the immune defense offered by standard vaccines. Fluzone High Dose has quadruple the amount of antigens found in ordinary vaccines for an increased immune response. FLUAD contains an additive called adjuvant MF59 that boosts the body’s ability to fight the virus. The FDA does not recommend one vaccine over the other.

The virus found in vaccines cannot cause illness, but the shot may cause side effects at the site of injection such as aches, a low-grade fever, redness, soreness and swelling, according to the CDC.

Senior living communities can be greatly affected by the spread of influenza. If one resident contracts the flu, it could quickly spread throughout the community and jeopardize the wellbeing of many others. Even if flu season is already in effect, seniors that have not received the vaccination should still consider getting treatment to protect themselves and others from illness.

Related Posts

View All News
Mr. Rogers

March 19, 2025

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood!

Embracing the Spirit of Mister Rogers  For decades, Mister Rogers inspired generations with his kindness, empathy, and community messages on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His legacy lives on in childhood memories and real-life communities like Edgewood Village in Bismarck. Recently, we received a touching story from a resident’s daughter about the profound impact our community has […]

Read More
Senior female with toes in the water

March 5, 2025

Come on in, the Water’s Fine: Assisted Living Brings Peace of Mind

Life’s transitions have a way of making us uneasy—especially during the later chapters. So, why not get some peace of mind?   We always say, “Check us out, stop in for a tour, or join one of our community events.” We encourage visitors to experience firsthand how different assisted living has become.       […]

Read More
black and white image of females holding boquets of flowers

February 24, 2025

Tell Me About the Good Old Days

      Have you ever experienced the smell of freshly baked cookies and been transported right back to your grandmother’s kitchen? Our senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—play a powerful role in triggering memories. These moments of déjà vu can feel random, but they’re rooted in our sensory experiences. For individuals with dementia, these […]

Read More
Senior ladies walking arm in arm as a group

February 13, 2025

A Little Help Keeps You Strong

We might all know that asking for help is a better, safer option for accomplishing certain things, but we might choose to struggle to maintain the appearance of being independent. Why does it feel like lending a hand to help others is easier than asking for help when we need it? Staying Independent Many of […]

Read More