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Providence, Rhode Island
United States
Providence, Rhode Island
United States
AARPRIHow to Protect Yourself Against the Flu This Season
With the arrival of the novel H1N1 (“swine flu”), many people are understandably confused about how to protect themselves against the flu this year. AARP is working with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to encourage older Americans to protect themselves and those in their care by getting vaccinated.
Experts say that, this year, a
seasonal flu vaccination for people 50 and over is as important as
ever. Even before novel H1N1 became a threat, flu claimed an average
of 36,000 lives and hospitalized more than 200,000 Americans every
year. Health authorities have long recommended that people 50 and over
get a seasonal flu vaccine each year.
Experts also recommend people
65 and older get a pneumococcal vaccination, which they can get at the
same time as their seasonal flu vaccination. Pneumococcus is a
bacteria that can cause a range of conditions, including pneumococcal
pneumonia, blood infection, and meningitis. Young children and
people over 65 are the hardest hit.
Both pneumococcal and seasonal
flu vaccines are available now. Have you gotten yours?
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older Americans are less likely
to get sick from novel H1N1, perhaps due to exposure to a similar
virus many years ago. However, they are more likely to suffer serious
complications – and even death – from seasonal flu.
Vaccination is the first line of defense, but good hygiene habits,
like frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough are
also important. If you get sick, antiviral medications are also
available to help treat the flu.
“We must not get
distracted by H1N1 – we must remember our annual seasonal flu
vaccination,” said Dr. Susan J. Rehm, Medical Director of NFID.
“Pneumococcal vaccination is also important, and now is a great
time to get both vaccines.”
Last year in Rhode Island,
80%of adults 65+ got vaccinated for influenza.
70.5% ofadults
65+ have received the pneumococcal vaccine.
“Vaccination will help
more Americans stay healthy this fall and winter, so that we can keep
moving – at home and at work,” said Kathleen S. Connell,
AARP-RI State President
Influenza and pneumococcal
vaccines are free for anyone in Medicare and are available now at
doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health departments in our
area. For more information, speak with your healthcare provider or
visit www.aarp.org/flu or www.nfid.org. For up-to-date
information on flu activity in Rhode Island , visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm
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Added: Oct 26, 2009
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