Healthy Orange Florida has launched the “Know Flu” campaign to urge adults 65 years of age and older to get a flu shot this season. The Influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease that can be very serious, even for healthy people. The best way to avoid spreading the flu is vaccination. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot this season, it’s especially important for adults 65 years and older to be vaccinated against flu and pneumonia. Pertussis (better known as whooping cough) and shingle vaccinations are also recommended.
With flu cases already being reported, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is predicting an active flu season in Central Florida this year. Everyone needs to be protected.
“Flu shots are important, and they can reduce absences at work, school, and social events; reduce healthcare costs; and most importantly, save lives,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and Chair of Healthy Orange Florida. Because the immune system weakens with age, older adults are particularly susceptible to flu. The flu can become even further complicated by pneumonia, an infection that can be deadly to adults with a weakened immune system. According to the CDC, it’s estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older.”
“Know Flu” includes an easy-to-use toolkit of educational information and links to promotional materials for older adults. The “Know Flu” toolkit materials are available for free download at http://www.orchd.com/flu/seasonal/ . We also have limited printed copies of the of the toolkit materials.
Call for Ericka Burroughs-Girardi at 407-858-1400 ext. 1217 for more information about the toolkit and its contents.
