Unfortunately, seniors are at a higher risk than others for being the most affected by the flu. In fact, up to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations involve seniors. The flu is highly contagious. The CDC states that one person can infect another if they are within six feet of each other. The virus can spread by coughs, sneezes, saliva exiting the mouth, even handling a doorknob that an infected person has touched before. Someone may not even have symptoms yet can still spread the flu. 

Getting vaccinated helps and is the best way to prevent the flu. The CDC found that seniors getting the flu vaccine reduced the likelihood they’d be hospitalized because of the flu by more than 50 percent. Along with getting vaccinated there are plenty of other preventative steps seniors can take to reduce their chances of catching the flu, which include living a healthy lifestyle and seeking immediate help if feeling ill. Seeking help not only protects yourself but protects others by knowing if you are contagious or not. Immune systems weaken as we age, so it is important to eat properly and exercise to help prolong this process for as long as possible. Exercise also helps with strengthening your immune system during cold/flu season, so the more active you are, the less likely you are to become sick. However, always listen to your body, especially this time of year when it comes to the cold/flu. There are even simpler things that can be done such as, being consistent with washing your hands and keeping your living environment clean and sanitized.