Flu Impacts Young and Old – Know Symptoms and Complications

The flu is still a significant health concern, especially for those over age 65 and others who have health problems. Be sure to get your flu shot, and if you have older family members, be sure they get their flu shot.

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Flu Impacts Young and Old – Know Symptoms and Complications
3 Min Read February 9th, 2017 Updated:March 15th, 2022

For many years, we've known that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of severe complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because human immune defenses become weaker with age. 

Now, in the age of COVID-19, the virus crisis gets more complicated as we enter the flu season. Experts are sayings it's crucial to get vaccinated for the flu. As more of us are now getting out and less fearful of COVID-19 because of vaccination, we face other viral infections, including the flu.

We know that the flu vaccine is safe and effective and has been used for a very long time. The CDC recommends everyone six months old and older get a flu vaccination.

Those Age 65 and Older are at Greater Risk

While flu seasons can vary in severity, people 65 years and older bear the most significant burden of severe flu disease during most seasons. For example, in recent years, it's estimated that between 71 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 54 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. So influenza is often quite serious for people 65 and older. The CDC says over 600 children died from the flu in 2021, so it impacts both older people and the young.

COVID-19 still remains a concern. COVID-19 is also a respiratory type disease and is most dangerous for older people and those people with other health issues.

Vaccination is Essential for Health

Remember, vaccination is vital for people 65 years and older because they are at high risk for flu complications. Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses, and immunity wanes over a year, so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection against influenza.

Aging is Not a Disease. Consequences of Declining Health and Aging are Real

There is no vaccine to prevent the financial costs and burdens of aging. A plan for a successful future retirement should include Long-Term Care Insurance. 

As we age, we face many health issues, aging issues, and even accidents. People require long-term health care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging. We all will face declining health and should prepare for its consequences on family and finances.

Costs of Long-Term Health Care is Rising Rapidly

The cost of long-term health care will impact your 401(k), IRA, 403(b), and other savings. Before you retire, add affordable Long-Term Care Insurance to your retirement plan. An LTC Insurance policy is your vaccine to the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of long-term health care. Getting a policy is easy and affordable. Plus, several different types of plans are available. 

The consequences of long-term health care affect more than just our pocketbook. Family members often find themselves in the position of being a caregiver for an older parent. The job is demanding physically and emotionally. 

Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

Being prepared for future declining health and aging has never been more critical than right now. Long-term health care costs are skyrocketing due to increasing demand, labor shortages, and high labor costs. 

If you want to ensure you obtain quality care in the setting you desire, including in-home care, then getting affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is a vital part of your retirement planning. 

Long-term care is a cash flow issue, but it is also a family issue, and the consequences on loved ones can be dramatic. Family caregivers find it hard to juggle their careers and family responsibilities with that of a caregiver for an older parent. The burden is something most people have said in surveys that they don't want to place on their family.

LTC Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free benefits to access your choice of quality care options, including care at home. You will protect your income and assets and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on loved ones.

Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS

You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis. 

To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

Seek Professional Guidance

Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.

Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.

A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad

Start by reading our guides -  

If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea. 

Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim

Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.

LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation. 

You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Benefits of Reverse Mortgages 

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.  

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

Share Your Knowledge - Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS 

LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world. 

You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.

Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations. 

Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS. 

You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and not just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.

Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News

Your Marketing and Advertising Partner – LTC NEWS

Use LTC NEWS to drive traffic to your website and help you attract people interested in your products and services. Plus, you can improve your website's SEO so more consumers can find you when they search for your products and services.

There are various marketing options available with LTC NEWS. Traditional advertising, sponsored content articles, strategic alliances, and more are available. 

Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.

Shared Links

LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.

Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.

You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.

Sharing News with LTC NEWS 

Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com  

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