If you have elderly parents…tell them now is the time to get their flu shot! If you have elderly parents in a nursing home….just don’t tell them to get their flu shot…make them get the vaccination.
Older adults are at the greatest risk of problems associated with the flu. Because older adults have reduced cough and gag reflexes, they often have increased respiratory problems associated with flu. In addition, older adults have weakened immune systems, which makes it harder for their bodies to fight flu complications such as pneumonia.
Just how serious is the flu for our elderly parents? The flu killed more than 32,000 Americans who were 65 or older in 2003! Unbelievably, only six of every ten senior citizens received the life-saving shots, according to testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. The flu and pneumonia (the most common complication of the flu) combined are the fifth leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older.
My take: Don’t take “no” for an answer…get your elderly parents immunized!