National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week occurs December 4-10, 2016. Senior Living Experts would like to take the time to remind you how important it is to get your flu vaccine.

Q&A’s About National Influenza Vaccination Week

Remember, those who live in senior living facilities or work with seniors should always be vaccinated. If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility, make it a point to get vaccinated yourself. Getting vaccinated will help you be able to stay connected with them throughout the holidays and flu season; reducing your risk of getting the flu.Q. Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine? A. Everyone! – It may sound like a broken record each year but the truth of the matter is that there are very few people who shouldn’t get the flu shot. The CDC offers these recommendations for the small amount of people who shouldn’t be vaccinated:

• Infants (anyone under 6 months)
• Those with egg allergies (in some cases)
• Anyone who has or had GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome)
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to the vaccine

Q. They say “high-risk people” should be sure to get the shot. What qualifies a person as “high-risk?” A. The CDC lists high risk people who should be certain to get vaccinated here. This list includes:

• Anyone 65 and older
• Those with certain chronic health issues; including any auto-immune disease, heart health issues, those who live in long-term care facilities, those with chronic health issues, diabetics and more. Click the link above to see a more comprehensive listing.
• Anyone who works in the health care field

Q. Where can I get the flu vaccine? A. Your doctor is the best option for getting your flu shot; however, you can find where shots are being given throughout your town via the flu finder box below.

5 Flu Facts

1. You can spread the flu virus easily – One of the main reasons for National Influenza Vaccination Week is to remind us not only to get our flu shot; but, to remind us how easy it is to get the flu. You can spread the flu to others up to 6 feet away when you sneeze and cough!
2. Even healthy, young people can get the flu – Many think that because we focus on seniors getting their flu shots each year that this means a young, healthy immune system won’t get the flu. Anyone, any age, and in any physical shape can get the flu.
3. There are ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu – While getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu; there are other ways to help reduce your risk. This free online poster from the CDC helps remind you how to reduce your risks.
4. You don’t have to have symptoms to spread the flu – You can spread the flu virus starting 1 day before you begin to experience symptoms. This is one reason why the virus spreads so quickly; because even if you try to stay away from others before you’re “sick” you may already have the virus.
5. Symptoms of the flu – People often ask what the difference is between the flu and a bad cold. This article on “Is it a cold or the flu?” will help you determine if your symptoms are most likely influenza.

Will You Stay Flu Free?

Senior Living Experts hopes that you can stay flu free this season! Take National Influenza Vaccination Week as a reminder of how important it is to stay healthy & flu free!Photo by William Brawley