A high-dose flu vaccine elicits a stronger immune response and older adults' immune systems weaken with age, but a standard dose vaccine is also effective to prevent infection.
Be sure you know the real facts to protect yourself and your loved one. It is well established that vaccination is the most powerful tool to avoid influenza-related hospitalizations or worse. As many as 130,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu last year, according to estimates from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) "By getting the flu shot, you're not only protecting yourself, you're protecting your family and vulnerable members of the community who would suffer a more serious illness," said Dr. Jonathan Grein, who is the director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, California.
Although vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu, Dr. Grein also recommends washing hands thoroughly and often, avoiding others who are sick, and wearing a mask when not feeling well. This will greatly help avoid spreading an illness to others.
There are no significant changes to flu shot recommendations this year. Dr. Grein said for anyone 65 and older they should get a high-dose flu vaccine if available. The high-dose vaccine elicits a stronger immune response and older adults' immune systems weaken with age. "If a high-dose flu shot is not available, older individuals should receive a standard dose, rather than skipping the shot," said Dr. Grein. "It's critical for older adults to protect themselves."
What are flu symptoms?
Like other upper respiratory infections, flu symptoms include nasal congestion, fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue. Most people with mild symptoms will improve at home with fluids, a pain reliever such as Tylenol and rest, according to Dr. Grein. Those at high risk of more serious infection, such as older adults, immune-compromised individuals and others with chronic health conditions should speak with their physician soon after symptoms appear to find out whether an antiviral medication like Tamiflu should be taken.
Those with more severe symptoms, such as a very high fever, loss of appetite or inability to keep fluids down, should see their physician or visit urgent care, according to Dr. Jonathan M. Weiner, who is the chair of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group's Department of Primary Care and Acute Care Medicine. Life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing should immediately be addressed in the nearest emergency department. He said in terms of getting care for the flu, it may be best to have a virtual visit through a patient portal or phone app.
"A physician or other provider can see you, assess how sick you appear and determine if you need to be seen in person or if you can manage your illness at home," said Dr. Weiner. If a flu test is needed to rule out other illnesses or for a Tamiflu prescription, health providers can order one. You also can get an over-the-counter test at a local pharmacy. Dr. Weiner said it's good to know if you have the flu so you can avoid spreading the illness to others. Individuals are contagious a day before symptoms start and up until their fever has resolved and symptoms are improving. This may be as long as five to seven days after getting sick.
If symptoms do not improve, other causes of upper respiratory tract infections need to be ruled out, which could require in-person treatment. Dr. Weiner emphasized that an in-person appointment also is recommended for patients with underlying conditions, high fever, trouble keeping food and liquids down, and for anyone who is having trouble breathing
Simple steps for prevention
Handwashing is one of the most efficient ways to prevent the entrance of bacteria, viruses or allergens into the body. "Throughout the day, our hands often go to our mouth, eyes and nose," said Dr. Stephen Russell, who is with the University Birmingham in Alabama (UAB). "The more we can keep our hands washed and cleaned, the more we can protect ourselves from things that can be on our hands."
Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is an important step in protecting the immune system. Registered Dietitian Caroline Cohen, who is also with UAB, said it is important to prioritize whole foods and a colorful plate is key in maintaining strong immune support. "The nutrients that exist in whole foods act synergistically," Cohen said. "Fruits, vegetables and a colorful plate in general can work to strengthen your immune system."
There are specific nutrients that dietitians emphasize to make sure that an individual's immune system is functioning optimally. "Vitamin C is pretty abundant in fruits and vegetables and works as a natural immune support," Cohen said. Foods rich in both vitamins C and D can serve as efficient immune boosters. These include citrus fruits, kiwi berries, bell peppers, fatty fish, milk, egg yolks, and mushrooms.
A diet that is predominantly made up of processed foods has a significant decrease in the nutrient intake that helps improve the immune system. Shelf-stabilized foods have had many of the immune supportive benefits significantly decreased. This loss in nutritional attributes makes whole foods greater sources of immune system support.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is an important element in the effective regulation of the immune system. Dr. Russell said getting an age-appropriate amount of exercise can help provide additional support for your body's immune system. "For most adults, this translates to about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for five days a week," said Dr. Russell. Adequate rest is an essential piece of the body's ability to defend against infections. During sleep cycles, the body works to replenish and repair itself.
John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com.
John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute.
