Keeping Grandma and Grandpa Flu-Free

Sept. 29, 2008 — -- Flu season is just around the corner. This is a good time for our seniors to size up their immunization history and see that they have all the protection they need as the fall and winter months approach.

Older adults are at greater risk for many vaccine-preventable diseases than any other group. In 1999 approximately 90 percent of all influenza- and pneumonia-related deaths occurred in individuals age 65 and older.

And equally worrisome, older Hispanic and black adults are much less likely to be vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia than others. So it is the perfect time for each one of us to see that our seniors get the protection they need.

My elderly parents, both suffering from chronic heart disease, told me they just lined up for their flu shots the other day at the community center where they live. I reminded them that although it is a little early for the flu shot, in view of their chronic conditions and the tremendous protection they get from the flu shot, it made great sense for them to be early rather than too late.

The flu shot takes only about two weeks to provide protection and usually lasts throughout a flu season. On the other hand, if the flu season is late in central Pennsylvania, where my parents live, they can always talk to their doctor about getting a second shot later on just to be sure they stay protected.

Almost all seniors should receive the flu shot. Unfortunately, not all eligible seniors actually get it. People with high fever from an acute illness and those who are allergic to eggs (the virus is grown in eggs) or the components of the flu vaccine have a legitimate excuse and should avoid it.

The most common reason my patients refuse the flu shot is because they are convinced the shot will give them the flu. I assure them that the flu shot has inactivated virus material in it and can't possibly give them a case of the flu.

On the other hand, side effects such as arm pain from the injection, low-grade fever and mild muscle aches can occur for one to two days after the shot.