Autumn. The time of year between summer and winter when leaves produce a colorful display, the air turns cooler, and the days grow shorter. Unfortunately, it is also the beginning of flu season. Typically starting in October, flu season can extend all the way through May.
For young healthy adults the flu may be unpleasant, but it is usually not serious. Symptoms can last one to two weeks, but the flu rarely leads to complications in this age group. However, if you are 65 or older, the flu can be dangerous.
Flu and Older Adults
As you age, your immune system declines. That means your ability to fight off infection and illnesses decreases. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, older adults are at a higher risk of flu-related complications such as pneumonia. What’s more, having the flu increases the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times and stroke by 2-3 times during the first two weeks of infection, and the risk remains elevated for months.
Common symptoms of the flu in the elderly include:
- Sudden onset of fever over 100.4 (although not everyone has a fever with the flu)
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle and joint pain
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Chest discomfort
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
Complications of the Flu in Older Adults
- Worsening of existing illnesses and conditions including asthma, emphysema, heart problems, and diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Dehydration
- Ear and sinus infections
Up to 85 percent of flu-related deaths each year occur in older adults. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to have an annual flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine doesn’t prevent all cases of the flu, it does lessen your risk of getting it.
Flu Vaccines
It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to start working, so it is important to receive your vaccination before the end of October. However, the National Institute on Aging cautions against taking the vaccine too early. Since flu season extends several months, taking the vaccine earlier than September could mean you lose protection before flu season ends.
If you are 65 or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends three specific flu vaccines, if available.
- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent inactivated flu vaccine. This vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot. This helps create a stronger immunity.
- FLUAD Quadrivalent. This standard dose flu vaccine includes an added adjuvant that helps build a stronger immune response to the vaccine.
- Flublok Quadrivalent vaccine. A recombinant protein flu vaccine for use in those 18 and older. It contains three times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot.
If the above vaccines are not available, or you are unsure which one to take, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about which flu vaccine is best for you.
Treating the Flu over 65
If you have flu symptoms, see your doctor. An antiviral medication may be prescribed to decrease flu symptoms and prevent complications. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen may be recommended to reduce fever and body aches. You should also get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated.
Keep a close eye on symptoms and seek medical care if you begin to have difficulty breathing, develop confusion, have ongoing pain in the chest or abdomen, or experience a fever or cough that goes away then returns.
Additional Steps for Flu Prevention
In addition to the flu vaccine, the following may decrease the spread of flu:
- Good hand washing
- Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid touching your face—especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid others who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces at home and work
The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.
