INFLUENZA IN THE ELDERLY

People with multiple medical problems are at a higher risk to have complications if they contract the flu.

Older adults aged 65 and older have an increased risk of developing complications, being hospitalized, or dying from influenza.

Flu Symptoms

  1. FEVER
  2. COUGH
  3. SORE THROAT
  4. HEADACHES
  5. RUNNY NOSE
  6. BODYACHES AND PAINS
  7. FATIGUE

Frequent complications from the flu can include…

  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Death or extended hospital stays

Influenza Prevention:

  • Avoid close contact
  • Get a flu shot
  • Cover your mouth & nose
  • Wash your hands
  • Eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids
  • Get an adequate amount of sleep

The flu shot is an inactivate vaccine made up of the dead virus. The viruses in the flu vaccine are dead, therefor the shot won’t cause you to get the flu. Some people have cold like symptoms following the flu because they were immuno-compromised at the time for the injection.

Places you can get a flu shot:

  • Your local pharmacy
  • Your primary care physician
  • Urgent care centers

    Do I need a flu shot each year?
  • Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. Immunity wares off each year so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against influenza.
Flu Treatment

Antivirals, such as Tamiflu: This medication works best when taken within 48 hours of your first symptoms.

  • One of the key things to do for people with the flu are to treat the symptoms, such as Tylenol for fevers/ pain and to drink plenty of fluids.

References

Alluheibi, S. M., Allehaiby, A. H., Ali Aseeri, T., Alqahtani, A. A., Althumali, J. A., Abdu Abudaia, O., & ... Modhish, M. M. (2017). A Review of Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of Flu Vaccination and Its Effect among Elderly. Egyptian Journal Of Hospital Medicine, 69(6), 2680-2684. doi:10.12816/0042248

Campos-Outcalt, D. (2017). Latest recommendations for the 2017-2018 flu season. Journal Of Family Practice66(9), 570-572.

Green, D. (2015). Fighting flu. Midwives, 1866-67.