HELP AVOID
A FLU EMERGENCY
SENIORS NEED STRONG FLU PROTECTION
Influenza is highly contagious, and anyone can get the flu no matter how healthy they feel.
Yearly vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself from the flu. And since different flu shots are approved for people at different ages, it's important to remember that SENIOR FLU SHOTS are flu vaccine options for older adults.
SENIOR FLU SHOTS are specially formulated for people 65+. These flu vaccines help protect older adults against the flu.
IN 2018-19 FLU SEASON, AN ESTIMATED 25,000 FLU-RELATED FATALITIES IN THE U.S. OCCURRED IN PEOPLE 65+.
a flu shot.
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IN ADDITION TO
VACCINATION, 5 HEALTHY
FLU-PREVENTION HABITS:
PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS YEAR-ROUND
It's always good to practice healthy habits, but that's especially true when you're sick. Whether you have the flu or not, getting proper sleep, exercising, drinking enough water each day, and eating a healthy diet can help keep your whole body working the way it should.
Stay home when you're sick
Staying home not only allows your body to rest, but it also helps keep you from passing on your illness to others.
Wash your hands
Although it's impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing them frequently is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness.
Cover up your sneeze
Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow (not your hand) when coughing or sneezing.
Take your medicine
If you get the flu and your doctor prescribes medication to treat it, make sure you take it. Taking your medication as prescribed can help give you relief from your flu symptoms and could actually shorten the time that you're sick.
FOLLOW THE FLU FORECAST
The flu can hit unexpectedly. Keeping track of flu activity during the year can help guide your flu prevention plan so you can decide when to get your flu shot.
Fall
Although the height of flu season may be weeks away, to help protect yourself against the flu, it’s best to talk to your health care provider about the best time to get a flu shot. It takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to develop to help protect against the flu, so you shouldn’t wait until peak flu season.
Winter
Flu season is typically in full swing, but getting a flu shot later can still be helpful. As long as the flu virus is circulating in your community, people should continue to get vaccinated.
Spring
Flu activity starts decreasing by March or April, but you should practice your healthy flu habits year-round to help keep germs at bay.
We don’t typically see flu in the summer, but it’s the perfect time to put a flu prevention plan in action by marking your calendar for a flu shot in the fall.
