Dr. Angel Chu
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary and Medical Director, STI Clinic Calgary
For older adults, the flu shot is more than protection against influenza — it’s a safeguard against severe health setbacks.
Think the flu is just a couple sniffles and sneezes? Think again. “Most people, regardless of age group or risk factors, vastly underestimate the burden of influenza in Canada,” says Dr. Angel Chu, an infectious disease specialist, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, and Medical Director of the STI Clinic Calgary.
According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), influenza can cause mild to severe illness and is responsible for 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada annually. Influenza’s impact is especially severe on vulnerable populations like older adults. It’s important that older Canadians, as well as other at-risk groups, know the risks of serious influenza complications and take action to protect their health this flu season.
Understanding the risks
Maintaining optimal health requires a multi-faceted approach, especially as flu season — which runs from November to March — approaches. Older Canadians are at higher risk of getting influenza due to their aging immune systems, and the flu can worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, lung conditions, diabetes, and kidney disease — which contributes to the increased risk of complications.
“Influenza doesn’t discriminate based on age,” says Dr. Chu. “Anybody can get the flu at any given point in time. But it’s usually adults over the age of 65 who suffer from the highest number of cases, as well as complications and being hospitalized, ending up in the ICU, or being ventilated. And unfortunately, the mortality rates are the highest amongst that age group as well.”
Preventative measures
While older Canadians make up only 19 per cent of the population, they account for 80 per cent of hospital admissions during flu season. “That’s why we strongly recommend that older adults practise healthy living, as well as influenza and respiratory virus mitigation strategies,” says Dr. Chu.
The benefits of the flu vaccine extend beyond protection against the flu by offering prevention from an infection and flu’s potential complications.
Dr. Chu recommends that all Canadians — especially older adults — stay home when sick, avoid close contact with sick individuals, practise good respiratory hygiene (such as coughing into their elbow and using tissues), wash their hands frequently, avoid touching mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth), and engage in healthy lifestyle practices such as eating a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, looking after one’s mental health, and being an active member of society.
Protecting the vulnerable
Another way to stay well this flu season is to consider getting the flu shot this fall. “The benefits of the flu vaccine extend beyond protection against the flu,” says Dr. Chu. “Even if somebody gets the flu after getting a flu shot, the vaccine will be protective against related complications.”
Getting the flu shot is part of maintaining a healthful life and an active lifestyle, especially for at-risk populations. Aside from older adults, other populations at greater risk of influenza complications include children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions, and Indigenous populations. These are all priority groups when it comes to vaccination, as are health care workers, household contacts of high-risk individuals, and those in congregated living settings.
Choosing the right vaccine
Dr. Chu underscores the importance of age-appropriate vaccines for older adults. “We’re very lucky now, especially for those 65 and over, because we have several vaccine options that were specifically designed to increase protection for seniors against flu and its complications.” In Canada, there are several vaccines recommended for older adults, 65 years and older, including high-dose, adjuvanted and recombinant influenza vaccines technologies. “The recommendations in Canada are that any of these options may be used, but the scientific evidence is most in favor of the high-dose vaccine.”
“This vaccine is appropriate for older adults as their immune systems aren’t as strong and they’re not as able to mount as strong of an immune response to the standard-dose vaccine,” explains Dr. Chu.
While vaccine misconceptions abound — such as that flu vaccines don’t work, that annual vaccination isn’t necessary, or that individuals with egg allergies can’t get vaccinated — Dr. Chu encourages Canadians to talk to their health care providers to address vaccine-related concerns.
“Every flu vaccine that’s available in Canada is safe, effective, and strongly recommended,” she says.
Talk to your doctor to find the right option for you.
This article was made possible by the support of Sanofi Canada.
