Why Caregivers Should Get the Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine. However, there are certain people for whom getting a flu vaccine is even more important than it is for others. One of those groups is caregivers to the elderly.
If you’re on the fence about getting a flu vaccine this year, knowing more may help you to make an informed decision.
Flu Vaccine Basics
Caregiver Ventura CA – Why Caregivers Should Get the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is administered using an injection, usually given in the arm. It is an annual vaccination because it is reformulated each year to protect against the viruses scientists believe will be most prevalent that season.
There are many different variations of flu shots available. They are delivered in different methods and recommended based on age and other factors. Your doctor will be able to determine which vaccine is best for you. Be sure to inform the doctor that you are a caregiver to an older adult as it may make a difference in the type of vaccine you receive.
Reasons Caregivers Need the Vaccine
Older adults are more susceptible to the flu virus because of weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses. They are also more likely to develop dangerous complications. Although your aging relative may get the vaccine themselves, when you get the vaccine, you offer them a double layer of protection. Caregivers usually come into contact with other people and surfaces where they might come in contact with the flu virus. By getting the vaccine, they decrease their chances of getting the flu and bringing it to the senior.
Another way that getting the flu vaccine is helpful to caregivers is that it prevents them from getting ill and having to take time off of work and caregiver duties. Caregivers themselves can be more susceptible to the flu, too, because they often don’t take very good care of their own health.
Research shows that caregivers:
- Spend less time on their own health than people who are not caregivers.
- Who are older and take care of their spouses are at higher risk of dying than other people their age.
- Who are part of the sandwich generation are at greater risk for illness.
While the flu vaccine is not a 100 percent guarantee that caregivers will not get the flu, even if they do, symptoms are usually more mild and the illness lasts a shorter time. Taking care of your own health in addition to getting the vaccine can help you to protect your aging relative even better.
Sources: https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-caregivers-need-flu-vaccines-4117436
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregiver Services in Ventura CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094, (310) 230-5601.
Our team is comprised of highly experienced and dedicated professionals who are focused on providing exceptional in-home care services to our clients and their families.We are proud to have served thousands of individuals and families since our inception.
Assisting Hearts Home Care was established in 2008 by two professionals a husband and wife team who started the company after personally experiencing the challenges of caring for their aging parents and grandparents. They experienced first-hand at how difficult it was to find care that worked around your schedule and not the schedule of the agency with caring and dedicated caregivers. Since January 2008 Assisting Hearts Home Care has been owned and operated by Robert Ruetschle.Prior to opening Assisting Hearts Home Care, Robert was in upper management of a national pharmaceutical manufacturing company and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Robert is passionate about supporting our older adult community and helping individuals age with dignity and grace in their own homes.
It is our mission to give peace of mind to our clients and their families by providing exceptional care.Our caregivers are also supported by an office staff of Senior Advisors and advanced CNA’s.Our team looks forward to getting to know each client and family personally.
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