As the weather changes and flu season arrives, older adults face a higher risk of serious illness from influenza. While many people think of the flu as a temporary inconvenience, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and worsening of chronic health conditions, especially for adults age 65 and older.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults account for most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths each year. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]

The good news is that there are simple steps seniors can take to reduce their risk.

• The first and most important step is getting an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications even if you do become sick.

• Good hand hygiene also plays a major role in preventing illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using public spaces, and after coughing or sneezing.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help support your immune system. Eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress all contribute to overall wellness.

• Finally, stay home and contact your healthcare provider if you develop flu symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, or chills. Early medical treatment may help reduce the severity and duration of illness.

Flu season does not have to disrupt your life. A few preventive steps today can help you stay healthy, active, and independent all season long.

Bonnie Castonguay, RN, Chief Executive Officer is a quality improvement and health outcomes expert with more than 35 years of experience in nursing, hospital quality, and care management. Prior to founding Ho’okele Health Innovations and Vivia, Bonnie served as the Vice President of Quality at Hawaii Pacific Health. Bonnie is an innovator in the field of complex care management, leading a team of nurses under a federal grant that helped the most complex patients navigate care in their own homes and saved the payer more than $1M in less than a year. With more than 15 years of experience leading care navigation and home operations, Bonnie is passionate about coordinated care for seniors which includes well-trained caregivers in the field.