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Pain, fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat and congestion are uncomfortable symptoms for anyone with the flu. But for the elderly, these symptoms can worsen and sometimes become fatal. The flu season in Indiana begins this month and adults aged 65 and over need to be aware of their increased risk of serious complications related to the virus infection.
The Centers for Disease and Control estimates that between 70% and 85% of seasonal influenza-related deaths occur each year in people 65 years of age and older.
The 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe of this century with about 80,000 influenza-related deaths and nearly one million hospitalizations for influenza-related illnesses.
"Older people are particularly vulnerable because, as people get older, the immune system weakens," said Cameual Wright, M.D., Indiana Medical Director for CareSource. "The flu can quickly lead to pneumonia, dehydration and aggravation of existing chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma or emphysema."
Because people often have misinformation about the prevention and treatment of influenza, Dr. Wright shares these myths and facts about the flu:
MYTH: The vaccine will not protect me from the flu.
FACT: Although the flu vaccine is not perfectly effective, being vaccinated every year is without a doubt the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Dr. Wright recommends that Indiana seniors be vaccinated by the end of October. It takes about two weeks for flu immunity to set in. Consider getting the "high dose" vaccine designed for weaker immune systems, if available; it contains four times more active ingredients than a regular flu vaccine to enhance the immune response of the elderly. If you do get the flu, the influenza vaccine will reduce the symptoms.
MYTH: The seasonal flu is the same as the stomach flu.
FACT: Stomach bugs – sometimes called intestinal flu – can make you feel sick, throw up and have diarrhea. Some children will have these symptoms when they have seasonal flu, but the flu is a respiratory disease that does not affect the stomach.
MYTH: I could get the flu by getting vaccinated.
FACT: Many people think that the flu vaccine is made from live samples of the flu virus, but that's not true. Vaccines are made with dead viruses or virus proteins. In addition, they are updated each year against the previous vaccine to better match circulating viruses. Some people complain anecdotally of flu-like symptoms after an injection, but studies have shown that symptoms are not related to the vaccine. Typical reactions to the vaccine include pain and redness at the site of injection and discomfort.
MYTH: I have the flu, but I can fight with chicken noodle soup and rest.
FACT: Some people can fight the infection on their own, but doing so is risky for the elderly. As soon as you have symptoms, call your doctor for an antiviral prescription. Antiviral drugs work best when they are administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They prevent your body from producing more flu virus, minimizing the effects of symptoms and preventing serious health problems.
MYTH: If I live in the south this winter, I will not get the flu because it's hot.
FACT: Many people equate flu with cold weather, but the real factor is moisture and not temperature. The influenza virus develops in low humidity. While influenza viruses are more prevalent in the fall and winter, with a peak in December, seasonal flu is detected throughout the year in the United States. So being a snowbird will not protect you from the flu.
MYTH: I have the flu and I have trouble breathing, but I do not need to go to the emergency room.
FACT: If you have the flu and have unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, sudden dizziness, severe vomiting or worsening of flu-like symptoms after several days may mean that health complications require immediate treatment.
About CareSource
CareSource is a multi-state, non-profit health plan recognized as a national leader in managed care. Founded in 1989, CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans and offers a lifetime of access to health care through health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare Advantage and Dual. -Eligible.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CareSource has nearly 2 million members in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and West Virginia. CareSource understands the challenges that consumers face in navigating the healthcare system and transforming health care with cutting-edge programs that improve the health and well-being of our members.
For more information, visit caresource.com, follow @caresource on Twitter or like CareSource on Facebook.
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