By John Mills

It is flu season again and this is a dangerous time for children under 5, people over 65 and those suffering from chronic conditions. The elderly are especially vulnerable to the flu because 60 percent of senior citizens who contract the flu are hospitalized and 90 percent of all flu related deaths occur in people over age 65.

This year is an especially dangerous flu season because of the H1N1 Swine Flu which is a strong and deadly strain. It is normally found in pigs and humans have not developed an immunity to it. Caregivers need to be aware of the symptoms of this flu and what can be done to prevent contracting it.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular flu and can range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should be looking for the following signs:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting (in some cases)
• Diarrhea (in some cases)

You should not take chances with the flu. If the person you are caring for comes down with these symptoms contact your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

The following symptoms are signs of a potential emergency in a senior citizen and should get immediate attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting

Prevention of Swine Flu

Flu viruses are spread through person to person contact. Coughing and sneezing by people with the flu are the most common way to get it. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The best way to prevent getting the swine flu virus is to:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw out the tissue after you use it.
• Wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer if you are not in a place where soap and water are readily available.
• Try not to touch you nose and mouth. This is a very common way to spread germs.
• If you are sick or think you are sick, stay home. Sick people coming to work or going to school are one of the most common ways viruses are spread.

Getting Vaccinated

The decision to get vaccinated is a personal one and it should be made in consultation with your doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following people get vaccinated:

• Children under 6 months
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Useful Websites

If you need more information on the H1N1 Swine Flu, below are some useful websites.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Flu 

Flu.gov, a website that identifies where you can get a flu shot anywhere in the US

World Health Organization H1N1 Swine Flu


This article is informational only. It does not provide medical advice. If you need medical advice contact your doctor or a medical professional.