Your Loved One’s Elderly Care Must Include Vaccines

Uncategorized  |  August 22, 2017

While your mom and dad may already have various health issues to be concerned with, vaccines are of great importance too. You’re probably familiar seniors getting immunizations, a.k.a. vaccines. If you’d like to know some of the diseases that vaccines can prevent, these are the following illnesses that can be easily avoided.

Elderly Care Includes Protection from Common Viruses

Influenza – The Center For Disease Control (CDC) tells us that 71-85% of seasonal flu deaths are among people 65 and older. This is partly because seniors spend time in doctors’ offices and other places where they are commonly exposed to viruses such as the flu. Further, flu symptoms such as body aches, a sore throat, etc., are not the only things that seniors face when infected. Because of their compromised immune systems, seniors are likely to suffer complications from the flu. These complications include ear or sinus infections.

Shingles – This serious skin rash is more common than one might think, particularly among people over 50. Those who’ve had chickenpox are in great danger of getting Shingles. The rash is, in fact, a re-awakened form of dormant chickenpox. A vaccine for this malady is necessary even for people who’ve had a chickenpox vaccine. This is a common, and in some cases high-risk illness that senior face. Our elderly care professionals are here to ensure that your loved one can prevent getting this illness.

Vaccines for More Severe Conditions

Tetanus – This is a less common but serious condition caused by bacteria found in dust or soil. The condition causes muscle spasms and sometimes even lockjaw. Most tetanus deaths are among people who haven’t had a Tetanus vaccine or who have let theirs expire.

Diphtheria – The CDC lists more than 7,000 cases of diphtheria in 2014, worldwide. Diphtheria kills healthy tissue in one’s immune system; the symptoms are fever, swollen glands, and sore throat.

Pertussis – This condition is also known as whooping cough and is comprised of a violent cough.

There is a newly developed vaccine called the T-Dap, which vaccinates against all three of these maladies, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis.

Whether you’re giving elderly care for your loved one or sharing the responsibility with a professional caregiver, being sure that your loved one is up to date on their vaccines is very important.

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