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Older Adults Face Higher Risk of Flu Complications
One Community Health highlights that older adults face higher risk of flu complications and hospitalization. Age can weaken the immune system and make infections like flu or COVID 19 more serious. Between seventy and eighty five percent of flu related deaths and fifty to seventy percent of hospital stays occur in people sixty five and older. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older and are available at all One Community Health sites.
Protect yourself
Each flu season, older adults typically get the sickest and have the highest rates of hospitalizations when compared to young, healthy adults. As you age, your immune system changes and may make you more vulnerable to infections like the flu or COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that between 70-85% of flu-related deaths occur in people 65 and older. It’s also estimated that between 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.
Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself
Flu vaccines are recommended for all adults and children 6 months and older.
Other ways to protect yourself include:
- Wash hands frequently
- Disinfect high-touch areas around your home and work area (door handles, TV remote, computer keyboards, etc.)
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
- Cover your cough
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid touching your face and eyes
