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State recognizes September as Healthy Aging Month, urges seniors to
get flu shots
Getting a
vaccination this month will protect through the entire flu season
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[September
18, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois
Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., reminds the
public that September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual health
observance that focuses attention on the positive aspects of growing
older. The observance proves to be a good time for older adults to
assess how they are doing and take preventive measures regarding
their health.
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Healthy Aging Month is also the kickoff of preparing for the
upcoming flu season. Seniors are at increased risk for the flu,
especially those who have certain chronic health conditions. Seniors
should make it a priority to get a flu vaccine.
"Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it
to others. As many as 49,000 Americans die each year from the flu,
and about 90 percent of those deaths occur in people ages 65 years
and older. You can get vaccinated in September and be protected
through the entire flu season," Holton said.
The flu season usually runs from October through May. Public
health officials strongly recommend getting vaccinated each year,
because the flu season changes and effectiveness of the previous
year's vaccination decreases. The flu vaccine is starting to arrive
at local health departments across the state, as well as health
clinics and pharmacies. The cost of vaccine may vary, but it is
covered by Medicare, Medicaid and by some insurance companies.
The flu, formally called influenza, is spread through coughing or
sneezing. In addition to getting a flu shot to prevent getting the
flu, people are also encouraged to use good sanitary measures, such
as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing
their hands, and staying away from others when sick.
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 For more information about influenza, visit the Illinois
Department of Public Health website at
http://www.idph.state.il.us/flu/index.htm.
To find out where you can get a flu shot, go to
http://flushot.healthmap.org/.
For more information about program services to assist older
adults in Illinois and their caregivers, visit
www.state.il.us/aging
or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or
TTY 1-888-206-1327, for hearing-impaired use only.
[Text from
Illinois
Department on Aging file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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