How is Influenza in the Elderly Different from Influenza in the General Population?
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the Influenza Virus, which is often more prevalent during the rainy and winter seasons. The severity of the disease typically depends on the individual’s immunity. In those with low immunity, such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer, if infected with influenza, there is a high risk of developing complications such as a sinus infection or bronchitis, pneumonia, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
What Symptoms Define “Influenza”?
The noticeable symptoms of influenza in the elderly include lethargy, inability to eat, confusion, in addition to the common symptoms of influenza such as high fever, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Moreover, the illness with influenza in the elderly tends to be more severe than in healthy individuals and may lead to complications that are life-threatening.
When to See a Doctor
Influenza can heal on its own with proper self-care and enough rest. However, if you start to experience high fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, inability to eat, it is important to see a doctor immediately for diagnosis. This involves taking samples of fluids from the nose or throat of the patient to identify the type of influenza virus and provide urgent treatment. In elderly patients with pre-existing conditions, allowing the influenza virus to linger in the body for an extended period can increase the risk of complications and exacerbate the severity of the illness.
How is Influenza Treated?
The effective treatment for influenza involves receiving antiviral medication within 48 hours after the onset of fever, which can help reduce the severity of the disease. Additionally, symptom management treatments such as fever medication, cough syrup, and adequate rest are recommended.
Can Influenza be Prevented?
Influenza can be prevented with annual vaccination because the virus changes and mutates each year, leading to the emergence of new, potentially more severe strains. Each year, the influenza vaccine is adjusted to match the virus strains expected to circulate that season, typically covering three strains of influenza.
At What Age Should You Get Vaccinated for Influenza? Influenza
Individuals aged 50 and over should receive an annual influenza vaccine to prevent the illness. The vaccine also helps to reduce the severity of the disease and the chance of developing complications if infection occurs. Meanwhile, individuals under 50 with chronic conditions such as lung diseases, heart diseases should also be vaccinated annually. This also applies to caregivers or those in close contact with people with chronic illnesses.
Is it True that You Can Get Influenza After Getting Vaccinated?
The influenza vaccine does not adversely affect health, except for possibly minor swelling or redness at the injection site. The concern of fever after vaccination is very rare since the vaccine aids in prevention. However, the vaccine cannot 100% prevent influenza if infected with a similar strain of the virus, but it can help mitigate the severity of the illness, prevent life-threatening conditions, or other complications.
