Receiving Recommended Vaccines Against Influenza, Pneumococcal Disease Even More Critical for the Health and Safety of Older Adults, Who Remain at High Risk for COVID-19
- Get your annual flu shot. This is particularly important for those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including adults age 65 years and older, residents in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and persons of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions. High-dose flu shots are available for adults age 65 and older.
- Get pneumococcal vaccines. People who 65 years and older should also be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
- Practice good health and safety habits, including wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, even when outdoors; avoiding close contact such as shaking hands or hugging; washing hands often or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available; and avoiding unnecessary contact with surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails.
- Schedule your annual wellness visit. Older adults should contact their healthcare provider to schedule an annual checkup. Those who have had Medicare Part B (medical insurance) for longer than 12 months are eligible for a yearly wellness visit at low or no cost to develop or update a personalized plan to help prevent or manage disease and disabilities based on their current health and risk factors.
- People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include but are not limited to: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and/or diarrhea, among others.
- Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness. The flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms may include possible fever or feeling feverish/chills; cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headache; and/or fatigue.