Boost vaccinations with common sense

    As consumers, we have many different options to obtain a flu shot. For those of us with family members in long-term care facilities, we will soon receive a telephone call or a permission slip in the mail to allow the administration of a flu shot to our loved one. Most of us will make the decision without hesitation.
    Some of us are still not comfortable saying yes due to all of the negativity about flu shots that has been spread by word of mouth or on the Internet. You know, statements such as, Oh not me. I got a flu shot last winter and spent the rest of the winter sick.”
    Let’s be realistic. If you have had a reaction to the flu vaccine, of course you would not choose to take it again, and for individuals who are allergic to eggs, it is still advisable to check with your physician before taking the vaccine.
    Let’s now turn to the question of our elderly loved ones, whose  immune systems are weakened due to the aging process. All opportunistic germs do not have much trouble invading their bodies. To complicate matters, a disease such as diabetes leaves them even more susceptible to infection. A cold or the flu that is a few days of aggravation to younger people could prove deadly to a senior citizen, especially if complications such as pneumonia occur. An elderly person should receive the flu vaccine in early fall because it takes about two weeks to build up immunity.
    Flu shots should be given to seniors every year because the flu strain changes each year. Even if someone is of age but does not consider himself a senior citizen, the individual still needs to get a flu shot.  The nasal spray vaccine has not proved to be as effective as the flu shot. Also, the nasal spray is not effective for anyone with a lung condition such as asthma.
    During the winter, nursing home administrators will sometimes prohibit visitors because of a flu outbreak. If you encounter such a restriction, don’t become alarmed: It’s a method of infection control to protect residents and visitors.
    Signs that state, “Please do not visit if you have a cold or flu,” are not meant to insult you but to alert visitors to stay home if they are ill. Strange as it may sound, some people do not have the sense to stay home when they are sick. Children are little Petri dishes full of germs and ready to spread the wealth. Less frequent visits when the grandchildren have runny noses can only protect seniors from colds. We all know in actuality there is no easy way to prevent colds or the flu.  Common sense still prevails. Good hygiene, a healthy diet, frequent hand washing and a flu shot go a long way.

    Kathleen Heren is executive director of the Alliance for Better Long-Term Care. You can contact her at (401) 785-3340.