H1N1 swine flu causes grunting in public circles, health agencies and government offices. The dre...
Credit: Swine photo by Steven Lek (2006) | ©Public Domain - Wikipedia Commons
Examining H1N1 Swine Flu Implications for Elderly Individuals
Swine flu, tagged H1N1, has caused plenty of grunting in public circles, health agency offices and government staff rooms. The dreaded disease may have begun in herds of hogs, but the most common contagions are now spread from person to person.What do senior citizens need to know most about H1N1 swine flu?
What is the H1N1 swine flu?
The H1N1 swine flu is quite similar to a traditional seasonal influenza, or flu, although perhaps potentially more hazardous to many humans. Mutated from a flu virus found in swine (or pigs), the H1N1 swine flu virus may be particularly dangerous to young people (aged six months to 24 years), child care staffers, health care workers, and those with respiratory problems, immune system deficiencies and other chronic health conditions.
Although the elderly have not been specifically targeted as a high-risk group for H1N1 swine flu, senior citizens may be well advised to take precautions against infection.
Do elderly individuals need the swine flu vaccination?
Generally, Medicare insurance covers vaccinations for influenza (flu), hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, measles/mumps/rubella, meningitis, pneumococcal disease, tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough and varicella (chicken pox).
Beginning in October 2009, a vaccination may be available against H1N1 swine flu.
Elderly populations have not received top priority for this vaccination. Why not? Some experts contend that older folks have likely been exposed to enough flu virus variations in their lifetimes to build sufficient immunities against the H1N1 swine flu. Others argue against this idea.
Many senior citizens will choose to participate in H1N1 swine flu vaccinations, as well as regular flu shots. And many physicians are encouraging elderly patients to do so.
The basic seasonal flu shot is not intended to combat the H1N1 swine flu. This requires a specific vaccination, which may be administered either by hypodermic injection or nasal spray.
How can H1N1 infection be minimized among senior citizens?
Comments
:)
I work on a hospital medical elderly ward and had heard that the lederly were classed as a lower risk. Their associated heath problems though must mean that they need to take care.
Where did you get that pic of my cousin? Are we related Don? *lol* In all seriousness, this is very good info. Thanks!
Our doctor said we didn't need it. Yeah, right!
:)
;>)
Where'd you get that pic of my brother?
I am a senior citizen according to AARP and Social Security - but I certainly don't consider myself elderly!! I'm not rushing out for a swine flu shot unless the doc suggests it.
Comments 1 - 8 (of 8)
|
|