Seniors May Have Some Immunity Against Swine Flu

by Rose Broyles

When I read this, I breathed a sigh of relief if only for a moment. I’ve asked our health clinic when the swine flu shot would be available and it’s not yet. So, I’ve made sure to get mine and my daughter’s flu shots…as well as Mom and Dad. The hubby however, has not so I may have to nag him later!

President Obama last week announced a national state of emergency for a pandemic because of the shortage of H1N1 virus shots. Over 1000 people have died across the country. While it’s not a number to cause a nationwide closure of schools and other buildings, it’s more than enough to get people worried. A small glimmer of hope however, is that some elderly citizens may show an immunity to the virus.

How?

Researchers believe seniors have a partial immunity to swine flu because of exposure to similar viruses in their lifetimes. This is a little bit of good news  since the regular flu kills approximately 36,000 people a year, most of them elderly.

Educating seniors

Even so, around the country, health professionals are ramping up their efforts to educate seniors about the flu and to get them immunized against seasonal flu. Nurses are passing out gloves,anti-bacterial lotion and encouraging seniors to be aggressive about good hygiene practices.

Seniors not the first group

Health care officials are strongly urging those at the highest risk for complications to get the vaccine. This includes: pregnant women; young people ages 6 months to 24 years old; people who live with or care for infants under 6 months old; health care workers who have direct contact with patients; emergency room personnel; and people ages 25 to 64 who have health conditions that put them at higher risk of flu-related complications. Seniors older than 65 are told that it isn’t necessary to get the injections right away. However, this doesn’t mean that seniors shouldn’t. Of those who don’t get exposed, those who do may suffer serious consequences of the disease especially if they have an underlying condition.

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