Monday 15 October 2012

What is “the flu” (influenza) and why seniors should receive “the flu shot” (Influenza vaccine) yearly each fall.

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. In Canada it generally occurs each year in the late fall and winter months.

Influenza viruses change from year to year. When influenza viruses change, so do the vaccines. The World Health Organization identifies the strains of influenza that are expected to circulate every year. This information is used to develop a vaccine to protect against these strains. The immunity you get from your vaccine decreases over time, which means you need to get immunized every year to stay protected (even if you've been immunized against the same strain before).

Symptoms typically include the sudden onset of headache, chills, cough, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children and or seniors

Most people will recover from the flu within a week or ten days, but some - including those 65 years of age and older and adults and children with chronic conditions - are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia.

The immune system weakens with age leaving older adults more vulnerable to severe disease when they get sick, including influenza, making vaccination critical for this age group. The Influenza vaccination is the best way to help protect against this potentially deadly disease.

If you’re 65 years or older, getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu.
Get Your Flu Vaccine. Not the Flu.