How Flu Can Make Seniors Frail

For the average healthy person, the flu is no fun by any means, but for seniors 65 and over, the consequences can be devastating.

Due to the natural weakening of the immune system over time, seniors are at a greater risk of catching the flu. They are also more likely to experience long-term health complications, hospitalization, and frailty if they do get sick.

Being hospitalized for a prolonged period can result in older adults losing the ability to care for themselves like they once could. In fact, one-third of seniors who are hospitalized leave not being able to perform their usual day-to-day tasks.

As a result, life can be drastically changed forever, with once active, seniors suddenly facing frailty they never experienced before. This can lead to seniors having to move into long-term care, leaving behind the independence they once had.

The vulnerability a senior can face due to increased frailty has a ‘domino effect’ of negative implications as seniors’ health, relationships and livelihoods are impacted.

The good news is there are steps seniors can take to protect themselves, like getting an annual flu shot.

That’s where the high dose flu vaccine, designed especially for seniors, comes in. FLUZONE® High-Dose has been shown to prevent 24% more influenza cases compared to the standard dose FLUZONE® vaccine, helping protect seniors 65+ from the seasonal flu.

“Frailty is a growing threat for seniors and our healthcare system as our population ages,” says Dr. John Muscedere, Scientific Director and CEO, Canadian Frailty Network. “That’s why it’s important for seniors to get vaccinated against influenza before flu season hits.”

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Fluzone High-Dose is right for you and contact your Public Health officials to find out if it’s covered in your province.

Vaccination does not provide 100% protection and does not treat influenza and / or its complications, or prevent hospitalization or death after the onset of disease. For more information go to fluzone.ca