Why get a flu shot?

Anyone with school-aged kids or grandkids, may well be aware of the list of immunizations kids and young adults need every Fall before heading back to class or off to college, but do you know which immunizations you should be getting yourself? You may not realize that influenza and pneumonia are among the are among the top ten killers in adults 65 and above. Everyone should keep up-to-date for not only our personal health but also for the safety of our loved ones and those around us – don’t waste any more time and call today to schedule your flu shot at WellcomeMD.

Flu risks for adults 65 and older

Most believe the flu is as threatening as a common cold which can be the case for most healthy adults, but this sickness can be deadly to those with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, heart/liver/kidney issues, asthma, diabetes, and obesity. In fact, during the 2019-20 season, the flu resulted in 390,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths. More than half, 63%, of those deaths occurred in individuals aged 65 and over. Experiencing a headache or fever is frequent with this virus, however, for this age group, other prevailing symptoms are seizures, difficulty with urination, confusion or disoriented mental status, and even weakened balance that can increase one risk of falling. In the first two weeks of infection, the risk of heart attack is increased by four times and stroke by three times the typical rate. Complications from the flu can include bronchitis and pneumonia, which are very dangerous and potentially fatal to the 65+ age group.

Pneumonia risks for adults 65 and older

Pneumonia is when one's lungs fill with water or puss, making breathing hard or even impossible; high-risk groups of older adults include those who suffer from: asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic respiratory conditions. This ailment is very menacing in the 65 and older community and tends to progress rapidly, causing it to be the second leading reason behind hospitalization in Medicare beneficiaries. Dry cough, difficulty breathing, and even increased heart rate are symptoms of pneumonia; nevertheless, this age group may also experience unsteadiness, which can escalate the risk of suffering from a fall, and confusion/delirium.

Every year pneumonia kills around 150,000 people from the 65 and over age bracket, giving it a 20% mortality rate. On top of this, pneumonia can have very pressing side effects or complications like bacteremia, pleurisy, lung abscesses, and acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS). Bacteremia is a blood infection that can start in the lungs and diffuse through the entire body, this condition can be potentially fatal if not treated. Pleurisy is the inflammation of the lung membranes, which can often require surgery or drainage of the lung(s) to recover. Lung abscesses are puss-filled cavities in the lungs that can cause damage to the organ and make it hard to breathe properly. Acute respiratory distress syndrome or "ARDS" is one of the leading causes of respiratory failure and can lead to permanent deterioration and even require the use of a ventilator.

The pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent this disease and lower the risk of its spread or worsening throughout your body; other preventative habits include generous and thorough handwashing, less or stopping smoking habits, and daily exercise to maintain healthy lung capacity. If you are 65 or older and have not received this immunization in your lifetime, then it is time to do so now: it will be administered in two doses one year apart from each other; if you have already gotten the vaccine in years prior, then it is important to discuss with your doctor about when/if you are in need of another round of immunization to boost your immune defenses to this disease.

Yes, its true respiratory hygiene and proper hand-washing can be effective at protecting yourself against, but the truth is immunization is the best way to protect yourself from influenza and pneumonia. It is believed during the 2019-20 season more than five million lives were protected due to influenza and pneumococcal immunizations. Call our clinics to get your annual flu shot and to make sure you're up to date on your pneumococcal vaccine!