November 25, 2020
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NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR THE AGING REMINDS OLDER NEW YORKERS TO GET THEIR FLU SHOTOlder Adults at Greatest Risk for Serious Complications from Influenza and COVID-19 |
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Albany, NY—The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is reminding older adults and caregivers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. Flu season is already underway—and can last as late as May. The flu shot is an essential preventive care service that should not be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With the holiday season upon us, staying healthy is more critical than ever, particularly for older adults, who are at greater risk for the flu and COVID-19,” said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Our immune systems are more easily compromised as we age, and older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, have an increased risk of becoming seriously ill. In addition to following all safety and social distancing guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID, getting a flu shot is vital to protect the health and wellbeing of older adults and caregivers.” Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the flu may also have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children, and pregnant women are among those who are at highest risk of serious flu complications, possibly requiring hospitalization and sometimes resulting in death. Getting a flu shot is particularly important for those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, which can mimic flu symptoms. While the flu vaccine does not specifically protect against COVID-19, it is highly recommended to maintain overall health and protect against other respiratory illnesses. To find a location near you to get a flu shot, please visit vaccinefinder.org. As we enter the holiday season, understanding the risks and impact of the COVID-19 virus is critical for all New Yorkers to protect themselves and their loved ones. New Yorkers can take the CV19 CheckUp, a free, anonymous, personalized online tool that evaluates an individual’s risks associated with COVID-19 based on their life situation and behaviors and provides recommendations and resources to reduce those risks. Developed by BellAge, Inc, the CV19CheckUp tool helps people be safer, healthier, and ensure their individual needs are met during the pandemic. With COVID cases continuing to increase across the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:
Additional Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers:
About the New York State Office for the Aging and Health Across All Policies/Age-Friendly New York The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continuously works to help the state’s 4.6 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old. Stay connected—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov. |
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