Protect Yourself This Flu Season: Why Your Annual Flu Shot Matters More After 65
For adults 65 and older, the flu is far more than a few days of feeling run down. Natural immune defenses weaken with age, which puts older adults at a much higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, the CDC estimates that 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths in the United States occur in adults 65 and older.
The flu also puts major stress on the body:
- Heart attack and stroke: The risk of a heart attack can be up to six times higher in the first week after a confirmed flu infection, and the risk of stroke is elevated as well.
- Chronic conditions: The large majority of adults hospitalized with the flu have at least one chronic health condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
- Complications: The flu can lead to secondary infections like pneumonia, or cause existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease to flare up dangerously.
How the Flu Shot Protects You
The flu shot contains inactivated pieces of the virus, so your body gets to "meet" the flu without any risk of catching it from the shot. The shot can't give you the flu, though mild soreness or fatigue for a day or two is common. Over about two weeks, your immune system uses that introduction to build defenses called antibodies.
If you're exposed to the flu later, those antibodies recognize the virus and fight it off before it can cause serious damage.
When to Get Your Shot
September and October are the ideal window for most people, so your protection is in place before flu season peaks and lasts through the winter. If you haven't gotten your shot yet, now is the time. And if you miss the window, it's never too late in the season to get vaccinated.
No vaccine is 100% effective, so stay alert. If you notice flu symptoms beginning, call your doctor right away. Antiviral treatment works best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms, and getting proper treatment is vital.
Get Your Flu Shot at CHP This Month
Already a CHP patient? Contact your provider now to schedule your flu shot. It's one of the simplest ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.
Not yet a patient? We'd love to hear from you. Contact CHP to learn about our services and set yourself up for long-term health success.