Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Rates of serious illness and death from influenza are highest among persons aged 65 years because many have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications. Influenza, or the flu, is often worse than a cold because it is a contagious infection that could lead to pneumonia. While colds often last two to seven days with a sore throat, runny nose, and cough, the flu often includes cold symptoms in addition to a fever, headache, and muscle aches.

To avoid getting the flu or getting a severe case of the flu, doctors recommend that older people get a flu shot each year. Studies have shown that a flu shot reduces hospitalization by about 70 percent and death by about 85 percent among aging adults who are not in nursing homes. Among nursing home residents, the flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization by about 50 percent the risk of pneumonia by about 60 percent, and the risk of death by 80 percent.

The flu shot may not benefit you if you are allergic to eggs, are ill with a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past. If you are unsure if you should get the shot, consult your health care provider.

The CDC also recommends that older adults, age 65 or older, should get vaccinated against pnuemococcal pneumonia. This shot may be given simultaneously with the flu shot.

If you are interested in updating your vaccinations, please contact a health care provider. Your local Area Agency on Aging may have information on local health providers. To locate the AAA in your area contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST, or visit http://www.eldercare.gov/. (Off Site)

General Resource Links:

• Find a Flu Shot – American Lung Association – Information about how to find a Flu Shot clinic. (Off Site)
  
  
• Immunizations for Adults – CDC – Information about the flu vaccine and pneumonia. (Offsite)
  
  
• Immunization Schedule – Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement – ISCI – Vaccination guidelines for older adults.
  
  
• Influenza Vaccine Information – CDC – Information about the live, intranasal influenza vaccine. (Offsite)
  
  
• National Coalition for Adult Immunization – Partnership of professional associations, voluntary organizations, advocacy groups, vaccine manufacturers, government health agencies, and state and local coalitions for better public health through immunization. (Offsite)
  
  
• Personal Health Guide – Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – AHRQ – Designed to help patients make sure that they get the tests, immunizations, and guidance that they need to stay healthy. (Offsite)
  
  
• Pneumonia Prevention: It's Worth a Shot – National Institute on Aging (NIA) – National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Information about the pneumonia vaccine. (Offsite)
  
  
• Shots for Safety – NIA – NIH – Information on various vaccines for adults. (Off Site)
  

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