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A few reasons: they have weaker immune systems as they age so they catch it easier, they are the largest demographic group to die each year of the seasonal flu (36,000 Americans, mostly the elderly or the very young, die each year from flu), many are unable to properly care for themselves if they live alone and get sick, so they are more likely to be dehydrated and get weaker and sicker, most of them have some degree of underlying health issues that add to the severity of any infections they get. They (and all of us) need to get seasonal flu shots each year because the types of flu that will be going around change with each new season.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt is because people's immunity system weakens with age, so the elderly can catch flus easily.
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Does the flu kill babies?
Babies and young children are more likely than adults to die from the flu. Babies under 6 months old cannot be vaccinated, so it is recommended that everyone else in the family be vaccinated in order to protect the baby.
Has any cure been established or any advancements made to slow down the progression of the Swine Flu?
Yes, although it is not a "cure", there is now a vaccine to protect you against getting the H1N1/09 swine flu. Many people were vaccinated with the newly developed vaccine in the 2009-2010 flu season and subsequent annual flu vaccines have also continued to contain this type of flu virus for immunization up to and through the 2012 - 2012 flu season. The more people who are vaccinated against this kind of influenza, the less it will be circulating in the environment as time passes. So, even if you or someone you know are unable to get the vaccine for medical reasons, or if you have or care for a child under 6 months old who cannot yet get vaccinations due to their immature immune systems, there is some protection from the flu because others are not spreading it since they had the vaccination. Everyone over 6 months old should be vaccinated annually against the flu, unless they have a medical condition that prevents it. This indirectly protects the babies and others who are not able to use the vaccines. Please get your flu vaccination each year for your health as well as the health of others with whom you will have contact.
If you are 13 years old can you die from Swine Flu?
It is unlikely but possible, especially if there is any underlying health problem. Those in that age group were not listed among those at highest risk. The "Swine Flu" H1N1/09 turned out to have fairly mild symptoms in most people, although it has been deadly for some unexpected demographic groups.Always remember, prevention is the best medicine. Get vaccinated.
What is bad about the flu?
Influenza, or the flu, is a very serious disease. It can kill people, especially very old or very young people who have weaker immune systems.
Who are the most common victims for influenza?
The elderly, the young - especially babies under 6 months old who can not be vaccinated, and those with underlying medical problems. See the related question below for more information about those at higher risk of getting the flu and/or having complications.
Why is it possible to only be vaccinated once for measles but the flu vaccine is required yearly?
Oh, well for all intents are purposes, there is only one strain of the measles. One vaccinted you are vaccinated forever. (Depending on the vaccine, tetatnus is every 10 years.) But, there are thousands of strains of the flu. Once vaccinated you do stay vaccinated, but each year there are many, many brand-new flus. If you catch the flu you are immune to that strain forever too, which is why the old ones don't keep coming back. The flu vaccine is made to protect against the 3 or 4 that doctors predict will be the worse each season. It doesn't protect against them all and it can't protect against the new mutations that we will see next year. Hope this clears things up for you!
If you are a 15 year old male and you think you have Swine Flu how long do you have to live?
Probably the rest of your life. Most people recover completely from the swine flu, as with any type of flu.
Is a healthy 13 year old girl at a severe risk of death from Swine Flu?
A 13 year old girl is in the age group of those most often catching the swine flu. Because of this teens and children, including thirteen year olds, are among the higher priority group to have the vaccine made available to them. This priority system was based upon the risks of serious illness or death from the pandemic flu. Most otherwise healthy teens have mild influenza symptoms and fully recover, but the risk of more serious complications remains. All of us have a risk of death from the flu, and that is why the vaccinations are being encouraged by the medical community for everyone who has no medical reason why they can not get vaccinated. Prevention is the best medicine. Get the vaccination. Follow the precautions for avoiding the flu with proper hand washing, etc. The risk of the flu and serious illness or even death is greater than any risk from a flu shot. For more information about the risk groups and who should not be vaccinated, see the related questions below.
Can be a 5 month old cat vaccinated?
yes, but it can be harmful
Can an eleven year old get the Swine Flu?
Yes. People of all ages can get the swine flu. You must be careful and cautious, and get the vaccination to prevent it in the first place.
How do you respond to people who argue the effectiveness of the flu vaccine?
That it is effective enough to prevent flu in around 80% of people vaccinated, who might otherwise have had deadly complications. When talking about risk of death, even 1% saved is very important especially to those 1%.Bear in mind that when you get your vaccination, you also protect every infant under 6 months old, since they rely on community immunity to protect them from a potentially deadly infection. Babies that young do not have a mature immune system and can not take flu vaccines until after they pass that milestone age. In addition around 36,000 people each year in the US alone die from a "simple" case of the flu, many of them the elderly, who also rely on your immunity to prevent the spread of the disease by and to so many people.
Can your 8 week old baby get swine flu?
im not sure, but most proberly i think anyone can get it! old people can and young people so yes!
