Pneumonia can be more than just a “bug” for anyone over 65 years of age.
As a caregiver, you need to understand that this infection of the lungs can be quite dangerous and possibly deadly to your loved one. It is typically recommended that your loved one receive the pneumonia vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for anyone over 65 years old, anyone who smokes, has a chronic illness, and/or a weakened immune system.
Older adults are especially susceptible to life threatening respiratory diseases. It is important for you and your loved one to understand why pneumonia is so dangerous. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of a person's lungs. It causes the lung's air sacs to become inflamed and filled with fluid making it difficult for the lungs to absorb oxygen. This causes symptoms such as cough, fever, chills and trouble breathing.
For older adults, the complications can be life-threatening, from low blood pressure and kidney failure to an infection that spreads to the bloodstream. Pneumonia is either caused by a virus or by bacteria; the bacterial form is more dangerous. It is usually caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia or sometimes called pneumococcus. It can occur on its own or after a person has had a cold or the flu.
The bacteria can be found in the noses and throats of healthy people. But when a person with a weak immune system encounters it, the pneumococcus bacteria can easily multiply and infect the lungs. If your older adult is apprehensive about receiving the pneumonia vaccination, he or she shouldn't be. The vaccine is available to fight against pneumonia, and older adults only need to receive the vaccine once. Have your loved one talk to his or her physician or nurse practitioner to help explain why the vaccine is important.
The pneumonia vaccine does not replace the flu shot. It's still important to continue getting the flu shot every fall. Half the people who receive the vaccination experience minor swelling and soreness at the injection site. Less than 1 percent of the recipients develop fever. The pneumonia shot cannot cause pneumonia.
Both the pneumonia vaccine and the flu shot are covered by Medicare and can be given at the same appointment.
Don't miss the opportunity to prevent a life threatening respiratory disease. Encourage your loved one to talk to their healthcare provider today.
Resources: Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Johns Hopkins Health
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