As we approach the 2024-2025 flu season, there are several important considerations to be aware of to protect yourself and your loved ones. While the virus might not seem like a big deal to younger, healthier people, it can be deadly for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
Every year, seniors make up the majority of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. Research shows that during the 2022-2023 flu season, 332 seniors of every 100,000 older adults in the country ended up in the hospital after contracting the virus. That compares with just 46 of every 100,000 younger people.
Because seniors are more vulnerable to the flu, it’s important for them to learn more about it. Here is some information you should know:
The flu virus is known to mutate regularly, leading health experts to monitor and predict which strains are likely to circulate each season. Vaccines are developed based on these predictions to provide protection against the most prevalent strains. Health organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) release recommendations on the composition of the flu vaccine to maximize effectiveness. That can provide you with an idea of how bad the flu season is likely to be. According to the CDC, vaccines for the 2024-2025 flu season are all likely to be trivalent. This means they will protect you from three different viruses.
Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and the complications it can cause, such as pneumonia. The flu vaccine is typically recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
While experts usually suggest people in high-risk categories be vaccinated in October, it’s important to check with your primary care physician. They can make personalized recommendations on flu shot timing. While getting vaccinated before peak flu activity begins is crucial for optimal protection, so is ensuring that you are covered for the duration of influenza season.
Antiviral medications are available to treat influenza and may be recommended for individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness. However, it’s important to know that time is of the essence with these types of medications. Early treatment with antivirals can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if administered within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. At the first sign of the flu, call your doctor for advice or an appointment.
Beyond being vaccinated, developing good prevention habits can help you avoid being bitten by the flu bug or other respiratory viruses. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell can all offer protection. If you need to go to a crowded area or gathering when the flu outbreak is high, wear a mask and keep hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse. It’s also important to eat well and get rest during flu season.
Recognizing the symptoms of flu, which can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache, is important for early diagnosis and treatment. But symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can overlap, making testing essential for accurate diagnosis. That means if you do get sick, your health care provider will probably want to continue to test for both conditions so they can provide appropriate care.
Staying informed about the upcoming 2024-2025 flu season is crucial for individuals and communities to prepare effectively. We encourage you to bookmark the Heritage blog and stop back often for updates on flu season and other topics important to older adults and family caregivers.
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