A flu shot should be done just before the period the disease peaks. A flu shot lasts for 12 months, which means it needs to be done yearly and it takes two weeks to start working.
Besides flu, there are a few other diseases that members of the aged population are more vulnerable.
Pneumococcus
Flu can cause an infection in the lungs known as pneumococcus. It is the most common cause of pneymonia in adults and is often seen in the elderly.. Ask your doctor which vaccine against pneumococcus is right for you. You should take extra care if you visit hospitals or busy medical centres often.
Shingles
Shingles is a condition very common in the elderly and it becomes more dangerous as we get older. It is estimated that one in five adults over 50 that has gone through chickenpox will present shingles at least once in their lives. People over 60 should undergo preventive vaccinations if their doctor approves it, as the disease can be more dangerous for that specific age group. Shingles appears as a rash that can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pain, exhaustion, loss of hearing and others.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/WhoopingCough
A tetanus vaccine lasts for 10 years and is generally recommended to everyone, regardless of age, as the disease can enter the bloodstream through an open wound and can lead to death.
Chickenpox
Those who were not infected by chickenpox as children or later and have not taken the vaccine should consult their doctor whether it is safe for them to do it now.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
Opinions are divided whether the aging population should take this particular vaccine. Thos born in the 50s and before that should have contracted the disease and should now be immune. However this is not the case for those who have received the inactive measles vaccine in the 60’s or have done no vaccinations for the disease.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Under no circumstances is this article meant to encourage readers to get vaccinated. Your doctor is the only one who can advise whether it is safe for you to take any vaccine.
