Flu season is here, and while some seniors have let their guard down against the swine flu due to knowledge that they’re not in the greatest risk group, people 65 and older still need to make sure they safeguard themselves against H1N1. Seniors with existing health issues in particular are at greater risk for developing complications as a result of the illness which can have devastating results.

Those who should be especially aware of potential H1N1 warning signs include those seniors who have health conditions like blood disorders, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, as well as neurological and neuromuscular disorders that can cause weakened immune systems.  Warning signs that all seniors should be on the look out for are outlined below, and those who have these symptoms should immediately seek a doctor’s attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

There’s no way to prevent H1N1 indefinitely, but all seniors should take the following steps to help safeguard themselves from the virus:

• Wash hands often or use alcohol based hand sanitizers that don’t require water

• Get plenty of rest to increase the immune system; ensure you get enough sleep on a nightly basis

• If recovering from surgery or another illness, focus on recovery. Hire a professional care agency or talk to a family member to step in to help out around the home so you can decrease your stress and get plenty of rest

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Q – With flu season approaching I’m starting to worry about the spread of Swine Flu increasing again. I have young children and an elderly parent who is not in the best of health on a good day, and I worry about how they would fare if they contract the virus. Will there be a vaccine available?

A – The good news is a vaccine will be available entering flu season, and here are some details that you should know:

• Availability – the H1N1 vaccine should be available in fall of 2009 in order to combat formal flu season. Specific dates have not yet been released as they are based on manufacturing

• Production – a Swine Flu vaccine is currently in production, and before being offered to the public, will be involved in clinical trials

• Combined vaccines – the Swine Flu vaccine will be separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. It can be administered at the same time, although since the H1N1 vaccine is likely to be available later in the season, seniors are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine first

• Age for priority vaccinations – studies have shown that H1N1 is more likely to affect people aged 25 to 64, or those with compromised immune systems due to health issues. The vaccine will be available to these people initially, and older adults over 65 can receive the vaccine after

• Locations – the Swine Flu vaccine will be available in locations that aren’t just your doctor’s office. Vaccination programs will take place in offices, schools, pharmacies, and other private settings

• The 1976 vaccine – the Swine Flu pandemic of 1976 also had a vaccine developed to fight the spread of illness, however, even those vaccinated then should receive the new H1N1 vaccine as the disease is not likely the same

Via: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Image: hubpages.com

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.