Older Adults

While influenza affects people of all ages, the risk of more serious complications brought on by the infection, increases as we get older. In fact, influenza-associated mortality rates are highest among adults aged 65 years and older. 

In 2017, there were over 54,000 Australians over the age of 65 years impacted by the flu.1,100 Australians who died from flu-related causes, and of these, 90% were aged 65 and older. Vaccinations save lives, therefore it’s fundamental that older adults take influenza seriously and speak with their healthcare practitioner about how and when they should protect themselves.

It’s important that everyone takes the appropriate measures to stop the spread of influenza.

There are a number of preventative actions you can do to protect yourself and others around you:

• Get vaccinated each year
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, and limit close contact with other people if you can avoid it
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Did you know?

• >91% of influenza related deaths occur in older Australians. In 2017, more than 650 Australians over the age of 65 years, lost their life to influenza and associated complications
• There is an increased risk of serious complications from influenza in adults over 65 years of age. Complications can include pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, and heart attacks.
• Influenza is highly contagious and spreads rapidly, especially in nursing homes or other institutions.
• If you do develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice quickly to see whether you might need medical evaluation or treatment. Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.
• The Australian Government is funding two new ‘ground breaking’ flu vaccines for older adults (aged 65 years and older) as a direct response to last year’s flu season. These new vaccines have been made specifically for older adults to provide them with increased improved protection against the flu.