Everyone is at risk of flu but older people who have chronic illnesses have a higher chance of being infected by the influenza virus. Seasonal flu per se have a larger impact on the senior age group. People beyond the age of 84 have the highest risk of dying from complications, while people older than 74 are next to suffer from its complications. And children not older than 4 years of age are in the third list of having flu complications.
As we grow older our immune system weakens making us more susceptible to be infected by viral infections and eventually the complications of contracting a viral disease will put us in danger of death. Influenza no matter what kind of strain has put more lives in danger due to the complications.

One can determine if he has a flu by the following symptoms:

• fever (usual)
• headache (common)
• tiredness and fatigue (can last two or three weeks)
• extreme exhaustion (usual at the start of flu symptoms)
• general aches and pain (often severe)
• chest discomfort, cough (common and can become severe)
• sore throat (sometimes)
• runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)

As always vaccination is the possible cure for preventing infectious diseases but preventive measures are even better.
A study shows that flu vaccination has prevented hospitalization from adults. The study was conducted by the researchers of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in coordination with CDC (Center for Disease Control). Getting a flu shot has prevented 71.4% of flu-related hospitalization among adults of all ages while 76.8% of people ages 50 and older. The study was conducted during the 2011-2012 flu season. The research was done to debunk the myth that flu vaccination is less effective on older adults.

The study, entitled “Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations in adults, 2011-2012 influenza season,” was published online in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases on February 28, 2013. It is available for online viewing or download.

An estimate of more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year due to flu. 60% of which are people 65 years of age and older. 90% percent results to death.

Nursing home residents also reports that the flu shot does the following:

• reduces the risk of hospitalization by about 50%
• reduces the risk of pneumonia by about 60%
• reduces the risk of death by 75% to 80%

CDC and ACIP (Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices ) suggests yearly flu vaccination for all people (at least 6 months and older) in the United States. Other than vaccination, seeking immediate medical attention is necessary if they show flu-like symptoms whether or not they had the flu shot.

The seasonal flu virus change each year that is why CDC is recommending an annual dose of the flu vaccine. The flu season can begin as early as September and last until May of the following year.

Sources: www.flu.gov, www.webmd.com