The Flu shot for senior citizens

While anybody can come down with a case of influenza, most of the time, the body’s immune system can successfully rid itself of the infection without causing too much damage. Seniors tend to have weaker immune systems, however, so a flu infection runs a much more serious risk of damaging their health over a long period of time. One of the most common side-effects of a case of influenza in senior citizens is bacterial pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. To that end, if you are sixty five or older, you should speak to your doctor about whether or not you should receive a yearly influenza shot.

Upon receiving the infection, you may experience some symptoms of the flu for a little while. This is because a very small amount of the weakened virus has been injected into your system in order to teach your body how to successfully fend it off. The symptoms, if present at all, will disappear after roughly forty eight hours at most. The flu shot tends to last around six months before it starts to lose its efficiency in seniors, so patients are advised to receive the shot yearly. The best time for receiving an influenza vaccine is during November or December, as flu season tends to strike the hardest between December and March. There are many local clinics that you can get vaccinated at so that you can keep your body safe from the illness, and your family doctor can help you to make the right decision about whether or not to receive it. They are low in cost and can potentially save you the trouble of coming down with a serious illness. Many doctors also recommend that seniors undergo a pneumococcal vaccine. It is a type of vaccine that, unlike the flu vaccine, lasts for several years, and it helps to protect the body against other possible infections that senior citizens are more prone to. The vaccine teaches your body how to defend itself against pneumococcal infections including meningitis, pneumonia, or bloodstream or ear infections.

In addition to the vaccine, it is always helpful to be safe when it comes to your hygiene. Illnesses such as influenza are spread by contact with infected fluids, so be sure to wash your hands often in order to ensure that they are free from harmful types of bacteria. Also, be mindful of yourself when you cough or sneeze in order to ensure that you are not spreading any type of illness to others.

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All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
If you experience any symptoms, consult a medical professional.