Archive for the ‘Vaccinations’ Category

Learn the Basics about the Shingles Virus

Posted on: September 19th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Have you ever had the chickenpox?   If you have, then you may be at risk of developing a case of  shingles.   Shingles, also called zoster (from the herpes zoster virus), is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.  The risk for shingles increases with age, with as many as one half of all adults contracting shingles by age 80.

Shingles often develops as a painful rash of liquid-filled blisters on the skin in bands that correspond to nerve pathways called dermatomes.  This is why the blisters most often appear to run in horizontal lines along the chest, back or face.  Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and chills.  Although the blisters almost always occur on just one side of the body, they can be scattered in patches or form a continuous band on the skin.  The rash ranges from irritating or itchy to extremely painful and typically lasts up to 30 days.  For most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.

Having shingles cannot cause another person to contract shingles; however, a person with active shingles can transmit the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox—causing that person to come down with the chickenpox disease.  The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters–not through sneezing or coughing–and a person is not contagious before the blisters appear or after the blisters have developed crusts.

Importantly, the CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for anyone age 60 and over, regardless of whether or not they previously had chickenpox.

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we strongly encourage our elderly clients to get a shingles vaccine and, like getting their flu shots, we also help facilitate getting them the age-appropriate vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.  To learn more about our home care services or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

Think the Flu Shot Doesn’t Work or That You Can Get the Flu From the Shot?

Posted on: September 12th, 2011 by aagingbetter

There are many common misconceptions about flu vaccinations, oftentimes deterring seniors from obtaining a vaccine that could protect them.  Whether living in a community housing environment or aging in the comfort of home, it remains equally important for those over age 50 to receive annual flu shots to help prevent illness.

It’s impossible to get influenza from the flu shot. The vaccine is made from a killed virus which is not capable of causing the disease.  The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live but weakened virus and is not recommended for adults over age 50.

The flu vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing the flu, but greatly reduces risks. It is possible for some people to still get influenza after receiving the flu shot.  However, these people usually experience a milder case of the flu than they otherwise would get if not vaccinated.   Additionally, for those who are vaccinated, the risk of hospitalization and death from complications of influenza is also greatly reduced.  It’s also important to keep in mind that protection from the influenza shot usually begins within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, so it is possible to get the flu before the vaccine has had time to achieve its maximum effect.

The flu is often confused with other illnesses, making some feel the shot is ineffective. The influenza vaccine protects against a specific disease caused by the influenza virus.  It does not protect against colds, other respiratory infections, or similar conditions.   However, by reducing the incidence and severity of influenza, the flu vaccine can reduce complications of influenza, which might include respiratory infections.

Ready to receive your influenza vaccination?  This fall, visit flu.gov to find places to receive vaccinations in Idaho.  You can also contact our local office of Panhandle Health at 415-5270 to find out when they will have flu shots available to the public.   And if you’d like to learn more about our home care services or to schedule a free in-home assessment, please contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry and Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst and Wallace areas.

 

Why The Elderly Should Be Vaccinated Against Influenza and Pneumonia

Posted on: September 5th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Did you know that influenza and pneumonia together represent the seventh leading cause of death for people aged 65 and over in the U.S.?  Because the natural defense systems of seniors tends to decrease with age, this places the elderly at a greater risk for flu and pneumonia.  Properly vaccinating against these diseases can ward off, or at least reduce the severity of these viruses, helping to save lives.

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are some of the most accessible and affordable vaccinations available.  In fact, Medicare pays 100% of the cost of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for Medicare beneficiaries.  For people not covered by Medicare, state health departments often offer free vaccines.

Additionally, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are quite safe.  Less than 1% of those who get the shots develop a fever, muscle aches, or more severe local reactions.  And, you cannot get the flu from the traditional flu shot, which is made with a killed virus.

The flu vaccine can be as much as 70 to 90 percent effective for healthy seniors; and according to the National Network for Immunization Information, hospital patients who have received the pneumonia vaccine:

  • Have a lower incidence of respiratory failure
  • Have a lower incidence of kidney failure
  • Have a lower incidence of heart attack
  • Spend two fewer days in the hospital on average
  • And are 40 to 70 percent less likely to die from complications due to pneumococcal infections than unvaccinated patients

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we strongly encourage all our staff and clients to obtain their flu vaccinations and we facilitate getting proper vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.  To learn more about the services we offer or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas,  or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

 
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