Smart Senior Citizens Guide to Flu Season from
Geriatrics Center at U. of Michigan
Seasonal flu shot a priority, call doctor promptly
if you have flu-like symptoms
Nov. 23, 2009 - Those over 50 need to be immunized
against seasonal flu. That’s the most important step most older people
can take to get safely through the flu season, says Karen Hall, M.D.,
Ph.D., a University of Michigan Geriatrics Center specialist.
And here’s a lesser known fact: Older people who
come down with flu-like symptoms should stay home, but promptly contact
their primary care physician to carefully monitor their symptoms. They
may be priority candidates for antiviral drugs, usually best started
within 48 hours of the flu’s onset, to make their flu less severe and
complications less likely.
Limited access to health care, inadequate testing
may contribute to higher rates of mortality and lower rates of
diagnosis of flu in elderly with dementia
“If you have a high fever, cough, sore throat and
muscle aches, don’t wait. Call your health care provider and describe
your symptoms,” says Hall, a U-M associate professor of geriatric
medicine.
“Anyone with shortness of breath or chest pain should go to an
emergency room.”
In this year’s complicated flu season, there have
been periodic shortages of vaccines for seasonal flu, which typically
begins in late November, and for the H1N1 flu that’s grabbing headlines
as a new threat for people under age 64.
Hall says the first step in getting the appropriate
vaccinations is to contact your primary care doctor to arrange for the
vaccinations recommended for you. If you are a candidate for one or both
types of flu vaccine but your doctor has none available, ask to be put
on a waiting list.
Some stores, including Meijer, Kroger and Target,
offer flu vaccinations, except when vaccines are in short supply as they
have been recently. Check ahead to be sure a store has vaccine
available.
“It’s important to get vaccinated against seasonal
flu now, or as soon as possible,” says Hall. Seasonal flu is already
circulating in the community.
For those middle-aged and older, advice on who
should be vaccinated for each type of flu depends on your health status
and your age. Here’s a breakdown about who should get which
vaccinations:
● Seasonal flu vaccine: All people 50 or older
are more likely to be severely affected and should get vaccinated.
● Pneumonia vaccine: if you are over 65, or are
under age 65 and have a health condition that puts you at higher risk,
ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia vaccination. This vaccine is
widely available and protects against the most common form of pneumonia.
Booster pneumonia vaccinations are needed every five to seven years.
● H1N1 vaccine: If you are age 49-64 and have
certain health conditions that put you at greater risk, ask your doctor
about an H1N1 flu shot. Conditions include chronic lung conditions such
as emphysema and asthma, immune disorders, cardiovascular disorders,
diabetes, lung and liver disorders, neurological disorders and kidney
disorders.
People over 64 aren’t eligible for H1N1 vaccine,
because they are the most likely to already have some immunity due to
earlier exposure to a similar flu strain.
Tips to avoid catching the flu
● Wash hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently.
● Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
● Practice good health habits: Get plenty of
sleep, eat nutritiously, drink fluids and exercise.
● Avoid crowds and contact with people who are
sick. If grandchildren or other children in your life have a flu-like
illness, avoid seeing them until about 72 hours after they’ve stopped
having symptoms.
Tips if you have flu-like symptoms
● Stay home and get in touch promptly with your
doctor.
● Get lots of rest, use acetaminophen or
ibuprofen to ease symptoms and remember to drink plenty of liquids.
● Avoid social contacts that are not essential.
Remember you are infectious two days before coming down with symptoms
and until you have had no fever for 48 hours.
Nov. 23, 2009 - Those over 50 need to be immunized
against seasonal flu. That’s the most important step most older people
can take to get safely through the flu season, says Karen Hall, M.D.,
Ph.D., a University of Michigan Geriatrics Center specialist.
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