Kreger sites statistics which note that persons over the age of 65 account for more than 90 percent of the approximately 35,000 flu-related deaths in the United States each year. That’s an alarmingly high number. Most often, however, seniors don’t die from the flu directly but rather complications involving other existing medical disorders that are caused by the influenza virus.
The author notes that most doctors recommend that seniors get their flu shots as early in the season as possible, around October or November, shortly after the shots become available.
Late administering of the shot may still be beneficial, she notes, but “the sooner, the better” is a good rule to follow.
Avoiding others who are currently sick with the flu is, of course, one of the best ways not to catch it. Remember, the flu is spread by droplets excreted during coughing or sneezing, so the closer one is to an infected person, the greater the chance of catching the flu. Doctors also note that the flu virus can remain in tact on surfaces for up to eight hours, so be careful what you touch.
Constant washing of hands, Kreger notes, is still the best way to avoid contracting influenza. If you think you’ve touched an infected area, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, or mouth until you can wash them or carry hand sanitizer with you.
For seniors, eating balanced meals is also essential during the cold and flu season as an improper diet can lower the effectiveness of the immune system, making individuals with poor diets more susceptible to illness.
