Flu and older adults – Jamaica Observer

EVERY year millions of people suffer from seasonal flu, also known as the flu. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.

Flu is a mild illness for some people. But for others, including the elderly and people with chronic (long-term) health problems, the flu can be very serious and even life-threatening. Getting a flu vaccine every year can help prevent the flu. The vaccine is safe, effective and available to you at little to no cost.

Most people who get the flu feel better after a few days to two weeks. However, the flu can make you seriously ill. Some people develop other health problems called complications from the flu. Complications can be mild, such as a sinus or ear infection, or more serious, such as pneumonia.

Anyone can get sick from the flu, but some people are more likely to develop complications. You are more at risk of flu and its complications if you:

1) be 65 years or older.

2) have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.

3) have heart disease or have had a stroke

4) live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

Flu vaccination is especially important for people in these risk groups.

The flu is more dangerous for older adults for a number of reasons. One reason is that the immune system — which helps your body fight infections — weakens as you get older. For example, because your body is busy fighting the flu, you may develop a secondary infection, such as pneumonia. A second reason is that older adults are also more likely to have other health problems, such as diabetes, that increase the risk of complications from the flu.

The good news is that the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and of becoming seriously ill if you do get sick with the flu. Flu vaccination is especially useful for people with chronic health problems. For example, it has been linked to lower rates of heart problems (heart problems) in people with heart disease and fewer hospital admissions in people with chronic lung disease or diabetes.

Source: American National Institute for Aging