Flu Vaccine for Seniors in Atlantic, IA: What to Know
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Preliminary estimates from the U.S. CDC show that influenza (flu) caused 40.1 million symptomatic illnesses, 470,676 hospitalizations, and 27,965 deaths in the country during the 2023 to 2024 flu season. Of symptomatic cases, 6.5% (over 2.6 million) occurred within the 65+ age bracket. While it's among the lowest across all age groups, seniors accounted for the most hospitalizations and fatalities (50.4% and 68.1%, respectively).
Given the severe burden of influenza, getting a flu vaccine for seniors should be a top priority.
To that end, the caring team at Allen Place, our senior living community located in Atlantic, IA, the beautiful, historic city and county seat of Cass County, put together this guide on flu prevention for older adults. Read on to discover more about this disease and the vaccines that help fight it.
How Does the Flu Vaccine for Seniors Help Stop the Disease From Spreading?
Flu viruses spread via respiratory droplets or secretions released by infected individuals. They go airborne when ill people:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Talk
- Breathe
Non-infected people can then become ill when they inhale the air with the airborne flu viruses. Some may also get influenza by touching surfaces where flu viruses survive.
The flu vaccine can help stop the disease's spread by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that bind to and neutralize or eliminate antigens (invaders like flu viruses). Fighting off these "invaders" helps the body combat the infection.
Influenza vaccination also helps with herd immunity. The more older adults who've had a senior flu shot in Iowa, the fewer people who can become infected. The fewer individuals infected, the fewer people who can transmit the flu virus to others.
What Flu Vaccines Are Available for Seniors?
There are three "preferentially recommended" flu vaccines for seniors, including:
- Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine
- Flublok Recombinant flu vaccine
- Fluad Adjuvanted flu vaccine
According to the U.S. CDC, studies have shown that these three vaccines are potentially better than standard-dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines. Since older adults tend to have weaker immune systems than younger people, they may benefit more from these higher-potency shots.
What Symptoms Can Flu Vaccines Help Ease or Prevent?
Although the flu is a respiratory illness, it can cause body-wide signs and symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sleep problems
- Appetite loss
- Tummy pain or diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
The primary difference between the flu in younger people and older adults is severity. Seniors can experience more severe illnesses due to weaker immune systems, which means their bodies are not as good at fighting flu viruses and their effects. Impaired immunity also makes them more susceptible to more severe influenza complications.
It's crucial to note that while flu shots play essential roles in healthy aging and immunity, they can't prevent all cases of influenza. However, even when they fail to stop an infection, they can still benefit older adults by reducing symptom severity. The less severe the symptoms are, the lower the likelihood of seniors needing hospitalization.
What Complications Can Flu Vaccines Help Avert?
Most people who develop the flu typically recover within a few days to under two weeks. However, some, especially those with weaker immune systems (including older adults), may develop complications.
Here are some complications that flu vaccines can help prevent.
Sinusitis
The flu can cause sinusitis by increasing the production of mucus. The mucus can block and inflame the sinus passages.
The blockage prevents the mucus from draining. It creates an ideal environment for bacteria and other germs to breed and cause secondary infection.
Ear Infection
In some people, the flu causes a blockage and swelling of the Eustachian tubes, which are small passages linking the back of the throat to the middle ear.
Fluids from the middle ear can't drain properly due to the clog. Instead, they give germs, such as bacteria, a "home" where they can cause a secondary ear infection.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a severe flu complication. It's an infection that:
- Causes the lung's alveoli (air sacs) to become blocked with fluid or pus
- Prevents oxygen from reaching the bloodstream
- Causes cellular failure and potential death
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia, including those related to the flu, claims the lives of 40,000 people in the U.S. every year. Many of these individuals are adults 65 and older.
Influenza Encephalitis
Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain. It can result from infections, such as the flu.
Influenza encephalitis (also referred to as "influenza-associated encephalitis") is a rare but severe encephalitis that results from influenza, as explained by Encephalitis International.
When the brain swells, it can result in symptoms like headaches and fever. More severe indications include confusion and neurological problems. It may also contribute to the development of mental complications like depression and memory loss.
When Should Seniors Get Flu Shots?
Eligible older adults in Atlantic, IA, should prioritize receiving annual flu shots, ideally in September or October. With this schedule, they can help prepare their bodies for the peak flu season, which runs from December to February. It's even more crucial for those residing in retirement villages; for example, getting assisted living vaccines, including for the flu, can help boost herd immunity within the community.
Are There Other Strategies for Preventive Health Seniors Should Implement?
Besides vaccinations, older adults should focus on other health and immunity-building strategies, such as stress management with morning mindfulness. Chronic stress can lead to a weaker immune system, so managing it with gentle exercise or nature time can help.
Regular exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, and tai-chi) can also support optimal health and immunity. So can a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Reduce Flu Risk With Vaccines
Flu vaccine for seniors can help lower older adults' risk of getting the flu or reduce its severity. With these shots, seniors can avoid unpleasant symptoms, even dangerous complications.
At Allen Place, we always strive to provide our residents with a living environment that's conducive to safe and healthy aging. From our compassionate, thoughtful staff members who are available around the clock to our health and wellness programs, chef-prepared, nutritious meals, and housekeeping services, these are just some of the amenities and services we provide that allow us to achieve this goal.
Speak with our friendly team today to learn more about our assisted living community in Atlantic, IA!