Flu season is underway and it’s important to make sure you, and, the elder in your life, and anyone who is high risk gets a flu (and pneumonia) shot as recommended by a physician.

The symptoms of flu in older adults are much the same as in other age groups and may include: fever, headache, fatigue, general aches and pains, chest discomfort, cough and sore throat.

Seniors are particularly susceptible to respiratory flu complications such as pneumonia since they may have a reduced cough and gag reflex as well as weakened immune systems which makes it harder to fight the illness. Additionally, dehydration is a risk for the elderly as well as the possibility of other conditions such as asthma or heart disease worsening.

Despite the fact that there’s been some controversy about flu vaccine for the elderly, it’s been recently suggested that a high dose flu vaccine is beneficial to the elderly:

A high dose of seasonal flu vaccine gives an added boost to the immune system of people aged 65 and older and provides them with better protection, according to a U.S. study that included nearly 4,000 people.

The flu can be a very serious illness and it’s important to remember that anyone exposed to it can get it, not just those at high risk such as the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses. Though the best times to get vaccinated are October and November, remember it’s never too late to do it.

There are some myths about the flu and it’s especially important to remember that the flu is more than a “bad cold” and that you cannot get the flu from vaccine since it is not a live virus and that common-sense infection-control measures like avoiding other sick people and frequent hand washing are still important in flu prevention.