Influenza vaccinations for seniors is an important consideration for each individual’s long-term healthcare needs. Influenza is a contagious disease that spreads across the United States each year, usually between the months of October and May. It strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny/stuffy nose.
This long, seven-month “season” where individuals can contract the flu puts all ages at risk because in the United States we live in a highly mobile society where we are in many situations where we come into contact with other individuals. Children’s school activities, the office or work place, visiting sick relatives at a hospital, attending sports events, holiday get togethers – even shopping at the local grocery store – can present continual opportunities to come into contact with flu viruses because flu is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact with other people.
Flu is more dangerous for some people, including infants, young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system. Those with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, the flu can make these conditions even worse. It can also lead to pneumonia, blood infections, and – in young children – diarrhea and seizures. Each year thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized.
The Terrace Assisted Living Community wants to give our residents and their families, as well as our employees, peace of mind regarding the flu season by providing them an opportunity to avoid contracting the flu. That’s why we offer our residents and employees the flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine can help keep our residents from contracting the flu, can make flu symptoms less severe if they do get it, and can prevent them from spreading the flu virus to other residents, our employees, and to their visiting family members and friends.
Flu vaccinations are offered at The Terrace Assisted Living Community each fall to all individuals who sign (or whose responsible family member signs) the informed consent form we provide. Contact us today about receiving a flu vaccination for your loved one. For more information, read this Vaccine Information Statement from the US Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control.
