Flu season is upon us again, so here are some things that older adults need to know:

1. Flu is really, really bad for older adults: About 9 of every 10 deaths from flu and more than half of all flu hospitalizations are in older adults.  Even if one isn’t hospitalized, flu can make you really sick for a week or more, and it can make illnesses like heart or lung disease worse.
2. Get a flu shot: This is the best way to prevent flu. You can get vaccinated at a doctor’s office, at pharmacies, and or the Health Department's Health Clinics. Flu vaccine is safe and cannot give you the flu. Don’t take a risk with your health, get vaccinated!
3. Your grandchildren (and other little ones in your life) are germ factories: Kids usually are the first ones to get flu and can they spread it to family members and others – even before they seem sick. Getting a flu shot helps keep you safe when spending time with your family and grandchildren. Even after you get a flu shot, it’s important to stay away from children who are ill as they may have a disease other than flu that vaccination doesn’t prevent. 
4. The flu impacts day-to-day life:  It can make muscles ache and you feel weak overall. This can affect gait – and, in older adults – potentially increase fall risk. And, these falls can lead to hospitalization, put you out of work for a period of time, and worse.

So, get a flu shot! Find a vaccine provider. Adult Day Health Care families are welcome to ask the center staff for flu shot resources.

SOURCES: CDC: Study Shows Hospitalization Rates and Risk of Death from Seasonal Flu Increase with Age Among People 65 Years and Older