Title page August 6, 2015 Influenza and Older Adults COM 10646.

Title pageApril 19, 2023

Influenza and Older Adults

COM 10646

Overview of Today’s Presentation

The important flu information everyone needs to know The CDC recommends flu vaccination for

everyone age 6 months and older1

– Annual vaccination best way to avoid getting the flu1

The flu can be life-threatening, especially in older adults1

– Our immune system weakens with age2

There is a higher dose flu vaccine option specifically for adults age 65 and older2

– Helps generate a stronger immune response2

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132. 2. CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, also called the flu, is a common respiratory infection1

Symptoms include: high fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches1

The flu is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, especially for adults age 65 and older2

– Nation’s seventh leading cause of death, combined with pneumonia, among adults 65 and older3

– Pneumonia is the most frequent complication of the flu4

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza Symptoms. http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/symptoms.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012. 2. CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132. 3. CDC. Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2010. National vital statistic reports. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr60/nvsr60_04.pdf. Accessed May 29, 2012. 4. CDC. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/flu.html. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Types of Flu

Three types of influenza virus: A, B, and C1

– Only types A and B cause seasonal influenza1

• Type A affects people of all ages2

• Type B primarily affects children2

– Type C generally has few or mild symptoms1

Different strains of influenza type A and B virus can circulate from year to year and cause illness3,4

– There are many human and animal flu strains, however only a few predominate and cause human disease

References1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Types of Influenza Viruses. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012. 2. CDC. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/flu.html. Accessed May 29, 2012. 3. CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132 4. CDC. Selecting the Viruses in the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/virusqa.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Types of Flu

Scientists predict which strains will circulate and should be included in the flu vaccine each year1,2

– The 2012-13 seasonal vaccine contains 3 strains1

• Two type A strains1

• One type B strain1

The 2009 H1N1 virus was a new type A strain1

– It has been included in seasonal flu vaccines since its appearance1

References:1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132 2. CDC. Selecting the Viruses in the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/virusqa.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Why We Need Annual Flu Vaccination

Flu strains change genetically over time1 New vaccines are developed each flu season to account

for new strains resulting from these genetic changes, or different strains predominating in causing disease1

Even when there is no strain change in the vaccine, immunity to the virus gradually wanes1

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132

The Flu Season

In the United States, the flu season takes place during the fall and winter1

– Flu season usually runs from October through May1

– Peaks in January or February1


How the Flu Spreads

The flu is easily passed from person to person1

– Transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with an infected person or surface1

• The flu can survive 24-48 hours on most surfaces2

– The flu can spread to others up to 6 feet away1

Symptoms of the flu appear 1-4 days after infection1

Influenza can be spread 1 day before and as many as 7 days after symptoms begin1

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How Flu Spreads. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012. 2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Workplace Safety & Health Issues - FAQs. http://answers.flu.gov/categories/325. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Preventing the Flu

Annual influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu1

The following hygiene measures can help prevent the spread of the flu– Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze2

– Use a tissue instead of a handkerchief to blow your nose2

– Wash hands often with soap and water2

– Use alcohol-based hand rubs, when soap and water are unavailable2

– Avoid touching your face; especially your eyes, nose, and mouth1

– Limit contact with others when sick2

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132. 2. CDC. CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

High-Risk Groups for Influenza

Older adults, young children, and pregnant women1

People who live in facilities, like a nursing home1

People with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease1

American Indians and Native Alaskans1

People who are morbidly obese1

People with a weakened immune system due to disease or medication, such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer1


Flu in Older Adults

People 65 years of age and older are hardest hit by the flu and its complications1

– 6 out of 10 of the 226,000 flu-related hospitalizations each year1

– 9 out of 10 of the 3,000-49,000 annual flu-related deaths1 No matter how healthy or young a person looks or feels, older

adults are more vulnerable to the flu because with advancing age the immune system weakens2

– The body is less able to fight infection from the virus2

– Fewer antibodies are produced in response to vaccination as compared to younger people2

References:1. Center s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012. 2. CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Influenza Complications

Most common in older adults, people with pre-existing medical conditions and young children1

Serious complications include:– Pneumonia1

– Inflammation of the heart1

Worsening of chronic conditions:1

– Asthma, COPD– Heart failure, heart attack, and stroke– Diabetes– Kidney disease

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of

the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132.

Flu in Older Adults

Adults over age 65 are also more likely to have other chronic medical conditions, which increases the risk of complications associated with the flu1,2

Nationwide, 91 percent of adults 65 years of age and older have at least one chronic condition and 76 percent have two or more1

References:1. Steven Machlin, MS, Joel W Cohen, PhD, Karen Beauregard, MHA. MEPS Statistical Brief #203. Health Care Expenses for Adults with Chronic Conditions. 2005. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132.

Influenza Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the best way to help prevent the flu1

– Vaccination is safe and effective1

– People can get immunized as vaccine becomes available1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older1

Vaccination is especially important for adults 65 and older2

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011. MMWR. 2011;60(33):1128-1132. 2. CDC. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Flu Vaccine Options for Adults 65 and Older

Adults over the age of 65 have two options available to help protect against influenza1

– The traditional flu shot, and1 – A higher dose flu shot designed specifically for those over the age of

65 to address the age-related decline of the immune system1 • The higher dose flu shot triggers the body to produce more

antibodies against the flu virus than would be produced by the traditional flu shot1

• Both the traditional and higher dose flu vaccines are administered by an injection (shot) in the arm1

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm. Accessed May 25, 2012.

You Can’t Get the Flu From the Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is made from a small piece of the killed flu virus, so it can’t cause the flu1

Some people may experience flu-like or cold-like symptoms following the flu shot because: 1

– They were exposed to the flu prior to receiving the shot1 – The immune response to the vaccine triggers some symptoms similar to the

disease1 Some may have soreness, mild pain, swelling, fever, headache, fatigue, and

muscle pain following a flu shot1

– Side effects vary and usually disappear in a few days1

Individuals with severe hypersensitivity to eggs, those who have had a previous vaccine-associated allergic reaction, or those who have developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu shot should avoid immunization1

References:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seasonal Influenza (Flu) – Q & A. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Covered by Medicare Part B

Take advantage of this Medicare benefit to help keep you healthy

Medicare Part B covers all influenza vaccination options currently licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended for people 65 years of age and older1

Both vaccine options are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicare Supplement Plans and most private insurers with no copay1

References:1. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Seniors. http://www.flu.gov/at-risk/seniors/index.html. Accessed May 29, 2012.

Other Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy

Getting vaccinated is the BEST way to avoid the flu.

Avoid close contact. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose. Clean your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Practice other good health habits.

CLEAN HANDS SAVE LIVES

Keeping our hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to save lives!

When to Wash Your Hands

Before, during, and after preparing food Before eating food Before and after caring for someone who is sick Before and after treating a cut or wound After using the toilet After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing After touching an animal or animal waste After handling pet food or pet treats After touching garbage

Proper Handwashing Technique

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.

Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

What about Hand Sanitizer?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty.

Where Can I Learn More?

Visit www.ncoa.org/Fluand

Ask your health care provider about the influenza vaccination option that is right

for you!

Questions?

Title page August 6, 2015 Influenza and Older Adults COM 10646.

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