With flu season approaching quickly, it is important to get your flu vaccination. If your loved one has a compromised immune system, your own flu vaccination could save their life.
Dr. Noel DeBacker, Medical Director, covers what you need to know about getting a flu shot.
Selected Podcast
What You Need to Know About Flu Vaccinations and the Upcoming Flu Season
Featuring:
Learn more about Noel DeBacker, MD
Noel DeBacker, MD
Noel DeBacker, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine (General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics).Learn more about Noel DeBacker, MD
Transcription:
Bill Klaproth (Host): It has been known for many years that people 65-years and over are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with younger, healthy adults. Here to talk with us about what you need to know about flu vaccinations in the upcoming flu season is Dr. Noel DeBacker, a physician with Chicago Methodist Senior Services. Dr. DeBacker, thank you for your time. So, why do seniors have an increased risk for flu?
Dr. Noel DeBacker (Guest): It’s because the immune system isn’t as robust as when you’re younger, and so, all seniors do have a higher risk of death and complications as a result of Influenza.
Bill: So, as we age, our immune defenses become weaker, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct.
Bill: And with seniors, the flu can often lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. It can lead to pneumonia as well as a host of other problems including encephalitis, and even heart attacks are more likely to occur when someone has Influenza.
Bill: So, it’s really nothing to fool around with as people age. What are the symptoms of flu? What should people be looking out for?
Dr. DeBacker: This is a disease that usually hits very suddenly. It can cause high fever, muscle aches, muscle pain, occasionally sore throat, and often a cough. Older people, the symptoms can be muted though, and they may not have as high of a fever, but there may be a change in their functional ability. They may, for example, not eat well, lose weight, not do the things they normally do, and take to bed, but usually, there’s fever, and they just get very sick.
Bill: So, if someone has flu-like symptoms, when should they seek medical care?
Dr. DeBacker: A senior should seek medical care right away because the sooner you get treated the better, and there is antiviral treatment available. Tamiflu and some other medications, if given within the first 48-hours, are effective at reducing the complications with Influenza and reducing mortality. It is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you have the flu.
Bill: You just mentioned Tamiflu. Are there other ways to treat the flu?
Dr. DeBacker: Tamiflu is the most commonly prescribed. There is another drug called Relenza, and then there’s a hospital drug that can be given intravenously. The one most commonly prescribed is Oseltamivir or Tamiflu.
Bill: Let’s turn to flu shots now and prevention. What are the different types of flu shots for seniors? I know there is the traditional needle in the arm, also the nasal spray. Are there any others, and can you explain those to us?
Dr. DeBacker: Well, let me say first of all, that the most important thing that the CDC recommends is that everyone — every adult — get an Influenza vaccine every year. In fact, the recommendation goes all the way back to children 6-months and older. Everyone should get the Influenza vaccine every year. That’s the single most important thing.
For seniors over 65, there’s a preference and a recommendation for FluZone High-Dose, which gives a higher dose of the standard vaccine. There’s another drug that has a growing amount of literature to support its use, and that’s called FLUAD, which is an adjuvanted Influenza vaccine again, to try to accumulate a better immune response in individuals. But again, the most important thing is that everyone get immunized. If the FluZone High-Dose is available, that would be my preference.
Bill: And you mentioned getting vaccinated every year. You made that a point. Why is that important?
Dr. DeBacker: It’s important for a number of reasons, but the most important reason is that the flu virus is constantly changing; it mutates. The vaccine this year is not going to protect you against the virus next year because the virus may be different. The other thing is that the flu vaccine doesn’t last forever. It probably only lasts about — really only up to 6-months or so. The vaccine you get this year is not going to protect you against next year for that reason, as well.
Bill: So, there’s different strains every year, then?
Dr. DeBacker: Yes. Yes, the virus continually is mutating and changing, which is the reason why the constituents of the vaccine have to change in order to try to approximate what’s going to be present in the following flu season.
Bill: So then, the flu vaccine is formulated ever year to try to fight that season’s strains, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. That’s correct. And sometimes — most of the time, they hit the mark, but sometimes they don’t. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is typically — if they hit the mark — is 40 to 60%, at least based on studying earlier seasons. If it doesn’t hit the mark on the virus then it can be quite less, but still, it’s good to get the flu shot because the flu shot reduces your risk somewhat either way.
Bill: So, you just said — that’s interesting — sometimes it doesn’t necessarily hit the mark, but it can make flu less severe, so that’s just another reason to have it. You may still get the flu, but it will be less severe, and for an older adult, less life-threatening? Is that correct?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. And FluMist — you mentioned FluMist earlier, which is an attenuated live-virus vaccine, has an age-limit on it. You really can’t get that older than age 49, so that’s not a vaccine for older adults.
Bill: And Dr. DeBacker, when is the best time to get a flu shot then?
Dr. DeBacker: The best time to get a flu shot is really in October, I think. We’re in the month right now where it’s the best time to get it. The CDC says that it’s good to have your vaccine before the end of October because traditionally, the flu season — flu cases start increasing in November. They peak in December through February, and that’s called the flu season. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take full effect.
Bill: We all hear that the flu shot causes the flu. Can you put that myth to rest for us?
Dr. DeBacker: The Influenza vaccine does not cause Influenza. That’s impossible, but there’s a lot of circumstances that can make people think that they got the flu from their flu shot. For one thing, rarely, there can be an immune response to the vaccine that makes you feel achey and can give you some temperature and make you feel like you’ve got the flu for a few days, but this is not Influenza. This is just an immune reaction.
The other thing is that when you go to get your flu shot, you may be sitting next to someone that has the flu in the doctor’s office, and then you can catch the flu that way. The incubation period is usually only about two days. You can think that you got Influenza from the flu shot that way, but no, you cannot get Influenza from the flu shot.
Bill: And are there ways to protect yourself from getting the flu, as we wrap up. I hear washing your hands, coughing into the crook of your elbow. Last thoughts, Dr. DeBacker, on how to not catch the flu, if possible?
Dr. DeBacker: If you see someone sick, keep your distance, number one. The Influenza travels by droplet transmission, and if you’re beyond the 6-feet or so that it takes for those droplets to fall down and hit the floor then you’re not going to get those droplets in your face and in your lung. Keeping your distance is one thing.
Also, as you mentioned, hand-washing is critical because the droplets — the flu virus stays alive in the droplets. If you touch those droplets and then you don’t wash your hands and then you eat, then you can get Influenza that way. It’s just like your mom said, “Wash your hands before you eat every time.” And during the flu season, wash them more often than that especially if you come into contact with the public. Doorknobs — all kinds of things that we touch have Influenza particles in them. I would say consider your fingertips to be community property until you wash them. That’s the best way during the flu season.
Bill: And Dr. DeBacker, actually, I’ve got one more question for you. You’re a wealth of knowledge as you’re answering that. Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the flu vaccination?
Dr. DeBacker: Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past should check with their healthcare provider before getting an Influenza vaccine.
Bill: Dr. DeBacker, thank you so much for your time today. We really appreciate it. To learn more, please visit CMSSChicago.org, and if you’d like to book a tour, you can visit that website as well. That’s CMSSChicago.org. This is Living Well with Chicago Methodist Senior Services. I’m Bill Klaproth. Thanks for listening.
Bill Klaproth (Host): It has been known for many years that people 65-years and over are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with younger, healthy adults. Here to talk with us about what you need to know about flu vaccinations in the upcoming flu season is Dr. Noel DeBacker, a physician with Chicago Methodist Senior Services. Dr. DeBacker, thank you for your time. So, why do seniors have an increased risk for flu?
Dr. Noel DeBacker (Guest): It’s because the immune system isn’t as robust as when you’re younger, and so, all seniors do have a higher risk of death and complications as a result of Influenza.
Bill: So, as we age, our immune defenses become weaker, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct.
Bill: And with seniors, the flu can often lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. It can lead to pneumonia as well as a host of other problems including encephalitis, and even heart attacks are more likely to occur when someone has Influenza.
Bill: So, it’s really nothing to fool around with as people age. What are the symptoms of flu? What should people be looking out for?
Dr. DeBacker: This is a disease that usually hits very suddenly. It can cause high fever, muscle aches, muscle pain, occasionally sore throat, and often a cough. Older people, the symptoms can be muted though, and they may not have as high of a fever, but there may be a change in their functional ability. They may, for example, not eat well, lose weight, not do the things they normally do, and take to bed, but usually, there’s fever, and they just get very sick.
Bill: So, if someone has flu-like symptoms, when should they seek medical care?
Dr. DeBacker: A senior should seek medical care right away because the sooner you get treated the better, and there is antiviral treatment available. Tamiflu and some other medications, if given within the first 48-hours, are effective at reducing the complications with Influenza and reducing mortality. It is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you have the flu.
Bill: You just mentioned Tamiflu. Are there other ways to treat the flu?
Dr. DeBacker: Tamiflu is the most commonly prescribed. There is another drug called Relenza, and then there’s a hospital drug that can be given intravenously. The one most commonly prescribed is Oseltamivir or Tamiflu.
Bill: Let’s turn to flu shots now and prevention. What are the different types of flu shots for seniors? I know there is the traditional needle in the arm, also the nasal spray. Are there any others, and can you explain those to us?
Dr. DeBacker: Well, let me say first of all, that the most important thing that the CDC recommends is that everyone — every adult — get an Influenza vaccine every year. In fact, the recommendation goes all the way back to children 6-months and older. Everyone should get the Influenza vaccine every year. That’s the single most important thing.
For seniors over 65, there’s a preference and a recommendation for FluZone High-Dose, which gives a higher dose of the standard vaccine. There’s another drug that has a growing amount of literature to support its use, and that’s called FLUAD, which is an adjuvanted Influenza vaccine again, to try to accumulate a better immune response in individuals. But again, the most important thing is that everyone get immunized. If the FluZone High-Dose is available, that would be my preference.
Bill: And you mentioned getting vaccinated every year. You made that a point. Why is that important?
Dr. DeBacker: It’s important for a number of reasons, but the most important reason is that the flu virus is constantly changing; it mutates. The vaccine this year is not going to protect you against the virus next year because the virus may be different. The other thing is that the flu vaccine doesn’t last forever. It probably only lasts about — really only up to 6-months or so. The vaccine you get this year is not going to protect you against next year for that reason, as well.
Bill: So, there’s different strains every year, then?
Dr. DeBacker: Yes. Yes, the virus continually is mutating and changing, which is the reason why the constituents of the vaccine have to change in order to try to approximate what’s going to be present in the following flu season.
Bill: So then, the flu vaccine is formulated ever year to try to fight that season’s strains, is that right?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. That’s correct. And sometimes — most of the time, they hit the mark, but sometimes they don’t. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is typically — if they hit the mark — is 40 to 60%, at least based on studying earlier seasons. If it doesn’t hit the mark on the virus then it can be quite less, but still, it’s good to get the flu shot because the flu shot reduces your risk somewhat either way.
Bill: So, you just said — that’s interesting — sometimes it doesn’t necessarily hit the mark, but it can make flu less severe, so that’s just another reason to have it. You may still get the flu, but it will be less severe, and for an older adult, less life-threatening? Is that correct?
Dr. DeBacker: That’s correct. And FluMist — you mentioned FluMist earlier, which is an attenuated live-virus vaccine, has an age-limit on it. You really can’t get that older than age 49, so that’s not a vaccine for older adults.
Bill: And Dr. DeBacker, when is the best time to get a flu shot then?
Dr. DeBacker: The best time to get a flu shot is really in October, I think. We’re in the month right now where it’s the best time to get it. The CDC says that it’s good to have your vaccine before the end of October because traditionally, the flu season — flu cases start increasing in November. They peak in December through February, and that’s called the flu season. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take full effect.
Bill: We all hear that the flu shot causes the flu. Can you put that myth to rest for us?
Dr. DeBacker: The Influenza vaccine does not cause Influenza. That’s impossible, but there’s a lot of circumstances that can make people think that they got the flu from their flu shot. For one thing, rarely, there can be an immune response to the vaccine that makes you feel achey and can give you some temperature and make you feel like you’ve got the flu for a few days, but this is not Influenza. This is just an immune reaction.
The other thing is that when you go to get your flu shot, you may be sitting next to someone that has the flu in the doctor’s office, and then you can catch the flu that way. The incubation period is usually only about two days. You can think that you got Influenza from the flu shot that way, but no, you cannot get Influenza from the flu shot.
Bill: And are there ways to protect yourself from getting the flu, as we wrap up. I hear washing your hands, coughing into the crook of your elbow. Last thoughts, Dr. DeBacker, on how to not catch the flu, if possible?
Dr. DeBacker: If you see someone sick, keep your distance, number one. The Influenza travels by droplet transmission, and if you’re beyond the 6-feet or so that it takes for those droplets to fall down and hit the floor then you’re not going to get those droplets in your face and in your lung. Keeping your distance is one thing.
Also, as you mentioned, hand-washing is critical because the droplets — the flu virus stays alive in the droplets. If you touch those droplets and then you don’t wash your hands and then you eat, then you can get Influenza that way. It’s just like your mom said, “Wash your hands before you eat every time.” And during the flu season, wash them more often than that especially if you come into contact with the public. Doorknobs — all kinds of things that we touch have Influenza particles in them. I would say consider your fingertips to be community property until you wash them. That’s the best way during the flu season.
Bill: And Dr. DeBacker, actually, I’ve got one more question for you. You’re a wealth of knowledge as you’re answering that. Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the flu vaccination?
Dr. DeBacker: Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past should check with their healthcare provider before getting an Influenza vaccine.
Bill: Dr. DeBacker, thank you so much for your time today. We really appreciate it. To learn more, please visit CMSSChicago.org, and if you’d like to book a tour, you can visit that website as well. That’s CMSSChicago.org. This is Living Well with Chicago Methodist Senior Services. I’m Bill Klaproth. Thanks for listening.