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What the 2014 Flu Season Means for Adults over the Age of 65

Dr. Thomas Guyn of Northern California Medical Associates

Santa Rosa, California (PRWEB) February 05, 2014

National attention for the 2014 flu season has so far focused on the growing number of H1N1 flu virus cases, striking with most severity among young and middle-aged adults. These reported cases have resulted in multiple hospitalizations, including many requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission as well as a few fatalities. While there is no way to predict which influenza viruses will ultimately predominate over the 2014 season, and although H1N1 may be the strain that’s getting the most attention so far, that doesn’t mean seniors are off the hook and can now skip out on getting a flu vaccine.

People who are over the age of 65 typically have a weaker immune system, making this age group much more susceptible to the flu. “In fact, getting the flu when you’re over the age of 65 can have very serious consequences, even deadly ones,” says Dr. Thomas Guyn, NCMA SRIM. “Up to ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations typically occur in people age 65 and older.”

Influenza Facts for 2014

Early indicators are that the current flu season is turning out to be a virulent one. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted in January that more than 50 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur among people over 65. While it is true that the flu vaccine may not protect everyone – as vaccines typically have a 60 percent rate of effectiveness – and lower immune response can reduce effectiveness in some older Americans, opting out of getting a vaccine may not be the best choice, especially given the high risk elderly patients can face.

Why You Should Get an Annual Vaccine

A flu vaccine is designed specifically to protect against those flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. The vaccine is updated every flu season and a person’s immunity will wane over a 12 month period, which is why it’s important to get a flu vaccine every year. Immunity kicks in about two weeks following vaccination.

There are options as to how to receive a flu vaccine, and for those who may be squeamish about needles, there are options for that as well:

Regular flu shot: This option comes in the form of a shot in the upper arm or shoulder and is good for most everyone, even for those who have a long-lasting medical condition like diabetes.
Intradermal flu shot: If anyone who simply does not like needles, this vaccine is a good alternative. It uses a much smaller needle that only goes into the skin, and does not penetrate the muscle. It works as well as the regular flu shot, and it is acceptable for people age 18-64.
High-dose flu shot: People over 65 may want to consider this option first. Older people have a harder time fighting off the flu and this vaccine delivers a larger dose resulting in stronger protection.
Nasal-spray flu vaccine: This method involves breathing the vaccine in through the nose. This is an option typically reserved for healthy folks between the ages of 2 and 49, and unlike the regular flu shots which are made up of killed viruses this one has live viruses.

“Since people over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to the flu due to a weakening immune system they are also at an increased risk of getting pneumonia, a common complication of the flu. In this case, we may recommend getting a pneumococcal vaccine which will protect against pneumonia,” says Dr. Guyn. “This is just another good way to support the health of our patients, and keep folks on their feet.”

Protecting Yourself from the Flu

In addition to getting the flu vaccine the CDC suggests six basic practices to help avoid the flu:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are symptomatic.

2. Stay at home if you are sick.

3. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze – use a tissue or deflect coughs into the inner part of the elbow to avoid contaminating hands.

4. Wash your hands frequently. Hot water and soap are the best options but alcohol-based hand gel is a good emergency substitute.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth – especially when out in public.

6. Watch your health. Getting plenty of rest, eating right and regular exercise will help boost the effectiveness of your immune system.

Tips for managing the flu

When flu-like symptoms appear, particularly in people who are 65 or older and people who suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider right away. Antiviral medicines are available and may shorten the flu by one or two days, helping to prevent more serious complications such as pneumonia. This are best prescribed as soon as symptoms become apparent; fever, sneezing, body aches, stuffiness, or coughing.

The two FDA-approved antiviral medications for flu are:

Relenza (zanamivir): People age 7 and older can take this. It is inhaled into the nostrils and is not appropriate for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tamiflu (oseltamivir): Tamiflu can be taken by almost everyone and it comes in pill or liquid form for adults and teens over age 13.

Dr. Thomas Guyn of NCMA’s Santa Rosa Internal Medicine specializes in geriatrics as well as general internal medicine and is currently accepting new Medicare patients. Dr. Guyn served as a hospitalist at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital prior to joining Santa Rosa Internal Medicine. There he acted as a liaison between patients and their primary care and specialist physicians, and many of the patients he worked with were seniors. He has experience with a wide range of diseases affecting seniors and works extensively with geriatrics facing many medical issues including the flu. He is available by appointment and can be reached by calling (707) 544-3411.

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