Why Older Adults Need a Stronger Dose of the Flu Vaccine

Flu as it is commonly called can also be referred to as influenza, it is an infection that affects the respiratory organ, particularly the nose, throat, and lungs.

Influenza is a common viral infection that poses a higher risk of death, especially for young children and older adults and also for people with weak immune systems.

The symptoms can appear in various ways which usually include cough, fever, chills, congestion, running nose, and fatigue. With these signs, it is easy for an individual to know when they have been infected with the virus.

A primary care doctor, who is a healthcare professional, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant, plays an important role in helping you stay healthy. Staying healthy and fit goes beyond just visiting the doctor when you are sick. It also involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking charge of your health.

It is the role of a primary care physician to guide and help you live a healthier life. They are your first contact with the healthcare system and usually the first people you talk to when you have any health challenges. 

Your primary care physician is someone you can reach out to if you have been infected with the flu and need to get treatment. They are trained specially to manage areas that have to do with healthcare. They work in clinics, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and private 

Effects of the Flu on Older Adults

Anyone can suffer from the flu. But, It is easier for older adults to catch the flu because of the diseases that are associated with old age which include diabetes, asthma, or kidney disease. 

Older adults can also be exposed to flu-related complications like pneumonia. The chances of hospitalization are very high once you are 65 years and above. At this stage of your life, you would need to be watched closely and always keep in touch with your primary care doctor.

The immune system which is responsible for helping the body fight against infection becomes weak as an individual ages. A weakened immune system may not function properly as it used to. This also explains why older adults are more prone to getting the flu as their body is not strong enough to fight against this virus and other diseases because of old age.

It is easier for younger adults to recover from the flu after a few days or weeks of being attended to by a primary care physician. It can make older people seriously ill and can even lead to other health complications which can be mild or serious.

If you fall into the category of people in the higher risk group you can easily get infected by the flu. You fall into the higher-risk group if: 

• You are pregnant 
• Children younger than five years 
• Have a medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, or kidney disease
• If you are aged 65 and above. 

Importance of the Flu Vaccine for Older Adults 

Just like every other vaccine, the flu vaccine helps in reducing the risk of you getting the flu. It also increases the chances of you not getting seriously sick even if you get the flu by chance. 

The flu is contagious and can spread easily. It can spread when people who are infected with the flu either sneeze, talk, or cough, and others come in contact with droplets from their bodies. The flu can also spread through contact with the surface of items. This happens if touched by someone who has the virus and if the same hands are used to touch the mouth or nose.

Flu vaccination has been helpful for individuals who have chronic health issues and for the elderly. It has reduced the rate at which they visit the doctor’s office. Flu vaccination has helped those with heart-related diseases and has experienced cardiac arrest in the past to have lower rates of such events. 

It has also reduced the risk of worsening a chronic lung disease which may require hospitalization. The same is said of those who are diabetic.

You need to get vaccinated as this helps you cut down the chances of getting infected. And if you already have the virus it prevents people around you from getting infected, especially older adults.

Older Adults Needs Stronger Dose of the Flu Vaccine

Aging weakens the immune system response to the flu. Older adults who are aged 65 and above will need to get a stronger dose of the vaccine to protect them against contracting the virus and end up getting hospitalized. The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent symptoms and severe illnesses for older adults.

Conclusion 

Flu vaccination is very important as it is safe and very effective in preventing the spread of the virus. Visit your primary care physician to get vaccinated and stay free from the risk of getting infected by the flu.

FAQs

Who Is a Primary Care Physician to Older Adults?

A primary care physician for older adults is a doctor, nurse, or health care professional. He or she is usually the closest contact with older patients right from the time of their admission to the hospital or care center till they are fully recovered. They also maintain a close relationship with the older patient after they have been discharged from the hospital.

Does the Flu Vaccine Become Effective Immediately After I am Vaccinated?

No. It takes close to two weeks or more after vaccination for the vaccine to circulate and antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies are responsible for fighting against the virus in your system or preventing you from getting infected.

Why Do I Need a Flu Vaccine Every Year?

You must get the flu vaccine every year as an older adult’s immune protection from vaccination weakens with time. An annual flu vaccine is needed for precautionary purposes. There is also a constant change in flu viruses as the virus develops new strains. The composition of flu vaccines is also reviewed and vaccines are updated to protect individuals against the new strain of viruses.