What Residents of Assisted Living NJ Facilities Should Know about Flu Shots

It is common knowledge that certain groups at risk should get a flu shot every year. One part of the population that should get a flu shot each year is the elderly. There are always concerns each year, however, about whether the flu shot is safe and who can really have a flu shot.

Understanding Flu and the Flu Shot

“The Flu” refers to an illness caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can result in a wide range of symptoms, from mild to deadly.

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usual take place during the late fall through early spring. This is when most get a seasonal flu vaccine. In a typical year, approximately five to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu. Flu-related deaths range each year from 3,300 to 48,600, with average total deaths of 23,600.

A key way to help prevent the seasonal flu is to get a flu shot. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine protects against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 (also known as the “swine flu”) virus that caused great concern last year. Because a major component of the flu vaccine is eggs, if an individual is allergic to eggs or has had Guillain-Barr’e Syndrome (GBS) they should not get a flu shot without first consulting their doctor.

Flu Shots and Assisted Living NJ Residents

The elderly are at high risk every year for getting the flu. This can be compounded when living in assisted living NJ. Staff at assisted living NJ facilities works each year to prevent flu by reminding all residents to wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer, sneeze or cough into their arm instead of their hands and, if they are able, get a flu shot. The flu shot is always the best way to avoid catching the flu.

It is also a good idea for loved ones of an individual living in an assisted living NJ facility get a flu shot as well. This will help avoid bringing those potentially deadly germs into the assisted living NJ facility. This will make sure everyone stays healthy during the flu season.