Age Spots: An Ounce of Prevention

I was recently at a health fair, and the Aging Matters booth was next to the Cape County Health Department booth. They were giving flu shots, and people were lining up. Already we are in flu season; I thought the last flu season just ended.

For many people the influenza is only a minor inconvenience � some coughing, sneezing and body aches for a bit, and they move on. For others, particularly seniors, the flu can be much worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated between 70 and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. In addition, between 54 and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group.

The best protection from influenza is the flu shot. It is quick, relatively painless and Medicare Part B covers the cost at 100 percent. Although flu vaccines do not protect 100 percent against influenza, they do serve as protection against particular strains of the illness. In addition, getting a flu vaccine also protects those around you. Other safeguards include washing your hands often, trying to avoid sick people, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Even with all these precautions, if you begin showing symptoms of the flu, go see your doctor!

Another vaccine important for seniors is the pneumococcal vaccine. Speaking from personal experience, pneumonia is awful. The pneumococcal vaccine not only protects against pneumonia, but also against meningitis, bronchitis and a bloodstream infection called bacteremia, among other infections. This shot is usually administered only once to those 65 and older, and Medicare Part B usually pays 100 percent of the costs.

Finally, the shingles vaccine: anyone who had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles. If you know someone who had shingles, you know how painful the illness can be. Shingles cause painful blisters that usually crust over in seven to 10 days. The pain and discomfort of shingles is extreme for most people. There are two types of shingles vaccines; speak with your doctor to see which is best for you. Medicare Part D covers the vaccine, so cost will vary by plan.

Now you must know, I am not a doctor, and every situation is different. Please speak with your doctor to determine which vaccine is right for you and when is the best time to get them. An ounce of prevention in this case is really worth a pound of cure. Your health is something that needs to be protected, and vaccines can help.

For questions on what Medicare will cover, call Aging Matters at (573) 335-3331 or (800) 392-8771.