What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older

It has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults. During most seasons, it's estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50 and 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States occur in people 65 years and older (Kostova/Reed models). This is because human immune defenses become weaker with age. So influenza can be a very serious disease for people 65 and older. Read More