Flu season is nearly upon us. The U.S. Center for Disease Control states that the influenza activity starts to increase around October.

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According to the CDC, “it has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because human immune defenses become weaker with age. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. Vaccination is especially important for people 65 years and older because they are at high risk for complications from flu. Flu vaccines are often updated each season to keep up with changing viruses and also immunity wanes over a year so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against influenza. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, even in January or later.“

Where to Get a Flu Vaccine?

The most recent flu vaccine is available at many commercial pharmacy chains (local chains include Walgreens and CVS), clinics and primary physicians.

Speak to your primary care physician or any other medical professional if you believe there is a possibility of complications with the flu vaccine.

Best to get the vaccine before the possibility of the flu itself, but if you think you have the flu, check for fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

For more information please visit the CDC website for full information regarding the various types of vaccines available and other important facts.

Broad Street Can Help

We provide Personal Home Care Assistants who can help manage medication, doctor visits and overall health care and awareness. Through our Professional Network we can help you find the right resources like advocates to attend appointments with you and doctors to help answer questions or identify areas of concern.

Broad Street provides home care in Chicago, the North Shore, and Western Suburbs of Chicago. For more information, please call 847.728.0134.