Flu season is about to begin, so it’s time for your aging relative to get their annual flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot unless their doctor has advised otherwise. Unfortunately, many people fail to get a flu shot because of things they have heard or read about the flu or the vaccine that simply isn’t true. There are many myths floating around. Debunking some of those myths may change your older family member’s mind about getting the vaccine.

Myth: The flu vaccine can cause the flu.

Truth: This may be one of the most persistent myths concerning the vaccine. But, the truth is, it’s not possible for the flu shot to cause the flu because of the way it is made. There are two ways the vaccine is made. One way is using a deactivated, or dead, version of the virus. The second is by using just one gene of the virus so that it causes an immune response but cannot cause the flu.

Myth: The flu is only spread by contact with a contagious person.

Truth: Some people may think that seniors who don’t leave the house often and aren’t likely to come into direct contact with someone who has the flu won’t get the flu, so there’s no reason to have the vaccine. However, the germs that cause the flu can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, especially hard surfaces. That means that if someone comes into the senior’s house and does not know they have the flu, touching a surface that they touched can give the senior the flu. In addition, they can get it by touching shopping cart handles, door handles, and other surfaces in public.

Myth: It’s not necessary to get vaccinated every year.

Truth: There’s a good reason the flu shot is an annual vaccine. The flu is caused by several different viruses. Each year, scientists determine which viruses are most likely to be prevalent that season and reformulate the vaccine to protect against those strains. Therefore, last year’s flu shot may not protect your aging relative from the viruses expected to be out there this year.

When it’s time for your older family member to get their flu vaccine, an elderly care provider can help them to do so. An elderly care provider can assist them to schedule an appointment. In addition, the elderly care provider can drive them to the facility.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in San Francisco, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

Sources
Cdc.gov/misconceptions
Health.harvard.edu
Health.usnews.com
Cdc.gov/whoshouldvax

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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