Fall is here and so is flu season. Learn how you can protect yourself and others in the months ahead with tips from Dr. Sofi Momin, a family medicine physician with Memorial Hermann Medical Group. Taking recommended steps now can help prevent serious complications from illness later.
Flu vaccines are recommended for most people ages 6 months old & older.
“For most people, 6 months and older, the flu vaccine protects you from catching the flu and prevents it from spreading,” says Dr. Momin. “It also helps prevent hospitalizations and death.”
In the United States, flu season usually peaks between December and February, so the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people, ages 6 months and older, receive an influenza vaccine each year between September and the end of October. This gives the immune system time to fully prepare to fight off the virus during the peak exposure months.
Dr. Momin warns that there are some people who probably should not get the annual flu vaccine. These include individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in the vaccine, some with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome and others with rare conditions. If you are unsure what’s best for you, speak to a doctor about your specific health history before getting a flu vaccine.
“Living through the pandemic shifted our focus to COVID-19, but we can’t ignore the fact that the flu still causes many hospitalizations and deaths each year. The key to managing viruses like the flu and COVID-19 is to use available protective measures such as getting vaccines and remaining vigilant to stop the spread of these viruses.”
– Dr. Sofi Momin, DO
Which flu vaccine is right for seniors?
According to Dr. Momin, there are different types of flu vaccines approved for different age groups. For people 65 years and older, the CDC recommends three specific vaccines—Fluzone, Flublok and Fluad.
Fluzone is a high-dose quadrivalent vaccine, which means the immune response it creates in the body is four times stronger than with standard flu vaccines.
Flublok, another quadrivalent vaccine, is manufactured without the use of eggs and is recommended for those who are allergic to eggs.
Fluad is a standard-dose vaccine but is made with an ingredient, called an adjuvant, that helps trigger a stronger immune response to the vaccine.
While these three types of vaccines are recommended for people 65 years and older, if none of these three vaccines is available, Dr. Momin says a standard flu vaccine is better than no vaccine at all. “Getting a flu vaccine is important because older people are at higher risk for severe illness and death,” she said.
More tips for protecting yourself and your family.
In addition to getting your recommended vaccines, Dr. Momin suggests ways to protect yourself and your family from the flu and other respiratory illnesses during fall and winter months. She advises her patients to lead a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active, getting enough sleep, staying well hydrated and eating a nutritious diet.
Dr. Momin also recommends:
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home and work
Staying home when you are ill
Limiting contact with others in your household when you are ill
Avoiding being around others who are sick
Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing
Washing your hands often with soap and water
Keeping from touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible
People are encouraged to get both the flu vaccine and the latest COVID-19 booster. “Living through the pandemic shifted our focus to COVID-19, but we can’t ignore the fact that the flu still causes many hospitalizations and deaths each year,” Dr. Momin said. “The key to managing viruses like the flu and COVID-19 is to use available protective measures such as getting vaccines and remaining vigilant to stop the spread of these viruses.”
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