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It is crucial that flu vaccines for senior citizens become required after the disastrous two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the winters of 2019 through 2021, the Covid-19 measures prevented the spread of influenza. The flu is anticipated to return in full force now as safety precautions have been lifted.
Importance of flu shots for seniors
Seniors who receive annual flu shots will avoid getting a cold and being ill over the winter. As people age, their immune systems start to deteriorate. Thus, the flu can be fatal in some circumstances and has major side effects for senior citizens.
The following are examples of secondary infections that can arise with the flu:
- Infections of the ear
- Infections of the sinuses
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
People over 65 have a much higher chance of experiencing serious issues. The percentage of fatalities linked to the seasonal flu is thought to be as high as 85% among people 65 and older. Additionally, up to 70% of all hospitalizations brought on by the seasonal flu are among people 65 and older.
If a person gets sick after receiving the vaccine, getting another flu shot may help alleviate their symptoms and cut the length of their sickness. There is no lack of flu vaccines available. Consequently, it is crucial for seniors to get flu vaccines.
Types of flu vaccines for seniors
The various senior flu vaccines were developed specifically to guard against the flu virus for people 65 years of age and older. Seniors need extra protection since their immune systems tend to weaken with age, increasing their risk of serious flu-related complications like pneumonia, other respiratory problems, hospitalizations, and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Elderly people may find it much harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when they have the flu.
Flu vaccines for seniors cause a stronger immunological reaction than the regular flu shot, which helps older adults’ immune systems fight the flu virus more successfully. The vaccination works because it promotes the production of antibodies, which shield seniors from infection.
The two flu vaccines created especially for older persons are the high-dose influenza vaccine and the adjuvanted influenza vaccine. Any flu vaccine for seniors that has been approved for their age group can be administered by a health professional.
Effectiveness of flu shots for seniors
The flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu, even though it does not always work as intended, according to the CDC. The seasonal flu vaccine appears to be less effective at preventing the virus in older adults than in younger adults. The high-dose flu vaccine for seniors, as opposed to the regular flu vaccine, has been demonstrated to offer higher protection against influenza in older people, according to study published in PubMed.
The influenza vaccine, according to the CDC, may aid those who already have the disease in reducing its severity. In fact, research done over the past several years have showed that getting vaccinated against the flu has led to a 40% decrease in the number of elderly hospitalization.
Flu symptoms comparison in seniors
Respiratory infections including the common cold, influenza, and Covid-19 are caused by a number of viruses. They may produce similar symptoms. If you have symptoms, a healthcare professional can identify the underlying cause of your illness and help you take the necessary steps to feel better.
Symptoms of a cold are often milder than those of the flu. While Covid-19 and the flu have many of the same symptoms, Covid-19 is more contagious and generally has more serious consequences. The likelihood of experiencing a change in your perception of taste or smell increases with Covid-19.
The flu symptoms can include fever, chills, a dry cough, body aches and pains, and headaches. Less frequent symptoms include a sore throat, sneezing, a stuffy nose, or stomach issues. Contrary to what some may believe, the “stomach flu” does not exist.
Flu shot side effects
The flu vaccination is perfectly safe for elders and won’t actually spread the illness. The great majority of people who receive a flu shot don’t experience any side effects.
When negative reactions do occur, they frequently don’t last long and go away on their own. The most frequent flu vaccine side effects are aching, redness, or swelling where the shot was administered. In addition, some people have muscle aches, nausea, fever, and headaches. Shortly after having the vaccine, these flu shot side effects start to appear, and they can last for up to two days. Most of the time, they don’t make performing everyday tasks more difficult.
If you previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, you should tell a medical practitioner.
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
