What Are This Year's Flu Shot Options?

Home Care Services Chicago IL - What Are This Year's Flu Shot Options?

Despite some misleading articles, flu shots are safe for most people. As part of your parent's elderly care plans, a flu shot is important. Your mom and dad are not at risk of mercury poisoning or getting the flu from the flu shot.

Here is the information you need to know about influenza vaccinations and your mom's flu shot options in 2018.

You Need Time

After getting a flu shot, it takes a couple of weeks for your body to build up immunities to the strains of virus included in the vaccine. Your parents should stay vigilant to prevent becoming infected in the meantime. This includes avoiding people who are sick, washing hands frequently, and using an antibacterial cream or gel if there's no sink close enough.

Types of Flu Vaccines

Trivalent flu vaccines cover three types of flu. Quadrivalent vaccines protect against four. Most doctors can access either. Ask your mom or dad's doctor for a recommendation. If your parent goes to a pharmacy or flu clinic, they likely will only get a choice between standard-dose or high-dose.

Standard-dose vaccinations are given via a needle or a jet injector into the skin. Nasal spray flu vaccines are not recommended after the age of 50. 

Most seniors are advised to get the high-dose for optimal protection. There are versions where the viruses are grown in eggs. If your parent is allergic to eggs, ask about cell-based flu shots that are grown in cell cultures rather than an egg.

Your Mom or Dad Could Still Get the Flu

Flu shots do require a bit of guesswork. There is the chance that this year's vaccine will not cover all the strains of flu that make the rounds. If this happens, your parent could end up with the flu. However, the symptoms and longevity are likely to be reduced.

Should your mom or dad develop the flu anyway, the family doctor may be able to help with medications that reduce the severity. You can help by making sure they have time to rest and making sure they stay hydrated and eat enough.

If you can't get your mom to her doctor or a flu shot clinic, consider other things that may be overlooked due to tight schedules and personal demands. Caregivers from a home care sevices agency can help. A caregiver can drive your mom to the doctor, drive her to a flu shot clinic, or help her stay hydrated  if  she  does  get  a  cold  or  flu.  Call  our home care services  agency  to  get  started. 

​If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Chicago IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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