Description
Seasonal influenza (flu) is an acute respiratory infection which can affect up to 20% of the general community each year. Older adults who become infected with the flu are at a significantly elevated risk of complications compared to adults of a younger age. Complications can include secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis and otitis media, as well as conditions related to ischaemic cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. Hospitalisation and death due to influenza infection is also more common among high-risk groups. Most deaths associated with influenza in countries like Australia occur among individuals who are 65 years of age or older.The most important prevention measure for influenza and its complications is yearly vaccination. Australian immunisation guidelines currently recommend one annual dose of influenza vaccination for people aged 65 years and over. Vaccinating older adults can reduce the severity of disease, the rate of hospitalisation from influenza and pneumonia, and all-cause mortality.