By Eric San Juan
New Jersey is in the midst of flu season, which typically begins around October and can run through March, with December through February being the peak months.
For senior citizens, who are especially vulnerable to complications from the flu, that means being extra cautious in the days ahead.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor.
The flu virus spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can also spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
For seniors, the flu can lead to severe health complications, such as pneumonia, dehydration, heart attacks, and even death. Between 2010 and 2022 in the United States, the flu caused between 100,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations each year, and killed between 4,900 and 52,000 each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths in the United States occur in people over 65 years old.
However, it’s not a cause to panic, epidemiologist Dr. John Brownstein told ABC News, only a cause to act responsibly.
"These increases in respiratory illnesses are typical for this time of year, aligning with seasonal patterns," he said. "There is no need to panic, but it is important to stay vigilant and follow health guidelines."
So, what can seniors do to protect themselves?
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to get a flu shot. Since seniors are at a higher risk for complications, the shot provides a strong first line of defense. It is available at pharmacies, doctor's offices, and clinics, and most insurance plans cover the cost. Some places even offer them for free. Even if you do end up getting the flu, having the vaccine can make the illness less severe.
According to Simon Haeder of Texas A&M University's School of Public Health, flu shots are an essential way to ensure flu season has a minimal impact on a community.
“Low vaccination rates place marginalized communities, such as people living in poverty, and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, at greater risk for contracting a disease,” Haeder told HealthDay.
It’s important to note that the flu shot is not a guarantee. Each year’s flu shot is different, made up to combat the varied strains predicted to be most common that season. The accuracy of those predictions can vary, hence the shot’s effectiveness can vary, too. But epidemiologists say some protection is better than none.
Other best practices include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing away used tissues immediately, or sneezing into your elbow rather than your hand when you don’t have tissues available; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible.
In addition, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Keeping your body healthy and strong will help your immune system fight off illness, including the flu. It’s also best to avoid crowds and sick people whenever possible. Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing, and avoid crowded public places like movie theaters and shopping malls when possible.
Finally, if you do feel sick, don't hesitate to seek medical help.
The flu can be dangerous for seniors, so it's important to get treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or visit a walk-in clinic.