InfluenzaTitle
andpage
Older Adults
April 13, 2015
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 HighDose 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
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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
References
1. 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
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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
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
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
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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,
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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
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

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
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–
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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
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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
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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/Flu
and
Ask your health care provider about the
influenza vaccination option that is right
for you!
Questions?