Flu and People 65 and Older: Risks, Vaccines and Treatment

People 65 and older are at higher risk of serious flu complications than young, healthy adults, partly because immune defenses change with age. Flu seasons vary, but in most of them this age group bears the greatest burden of severe disease. In recent years, an estimated 70 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths, and 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations, have been among people 65 and older.

The best protection: a yearly flu vaccine

An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications. Vaccination lowers the risk of getting sick and of severe outcomes that can lead to hospitalization or death. Older people's immune responses to vaccines may be weaker, but studies have consistently found flu vaccination reduces medical visits and hospitalizations among them.

Which vaccine

CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) preferentially recommend one of these for people 65 and older:

• a higher-dose flu vaccine — high-dose inactivated or recombinant;
• an adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.

Studies suggest these are potentially more effective than standard-dose unadjuvanted vaccines in this age group. If none is available at the time, a standard-dose unadjuvanted inactivated vaccine should be given instead. Other flu vaccines are also approved for people 65 and older, but they should not get the nasal spray vaccine.

When to get it

For most people who need one dose a season, September and October are generally good times, ideally by the end of October. Most adults, especially those 65 and older, generally should not be vaccinated early, in July or August, because protection may wane over time — though early vaccination can be considered for anyone who cannot come back later.

Pneumococcal vaccination too

• Having flu raises the risk of pneumococcal disease.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious flu-related complication that can be fatal.
• People 50 and older should also be up to date on pneumococcal vaccination, which helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia and other serious infections. It can be given at the same visit as a flu vaccine; ask your provider which one is recommended for you.

Everyday prevention

Alongside vaccination, everyone should avoid people who are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, take steps for cleaner indoor air, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

If you get sick

People 65 and older should call their health care provider right away if they develop flu symptoms. CDC recommends prompt antiviral treatment for anyone with flu or suspected flu who is at higher risk of serious complications, including people 65 and older.

Sources

Rewritten from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page "Flu & People 65 Years and Older" (public domain), in hubnx's own words.