Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is more than just a seasonal nuisance. Globally, it poses a significant health threat, particularly to vulnerable groups such as small children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and the elderly. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 650,000 deaths annually can be attributed to flu-related respiratory diseases, with a significant number of these occurring in the elderly population of developed nations.
Despite the known risks, there is a concerning trend among seniors in some developed countries where flu vaccinations are not being utilized to their full potential. This is surprising, given the high stakes involved. Vaccination is a key defense against the flu, yet immunization rates among the elderly vary significantly across the globe
Disparities in immunization rates
The United Kingdom stands out with one of the highest vaccination rates among seniors in OECD nations. Countries like South Korea, the United States, Chile, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Denmark also report immunization rates above 70 percent in this age group. Conversely, Eastern European countries and Turkey are at the lower end of this spectrum, highlighting a disparity in health care approaches and public health policies.
The pandemic and flu vaccination
The COVID-19 pandemic brought an added layer of urgency to flu vaccinations. Health experts stressed the importance of flu shots, especially for the elderly, to prevent dangerous co-infections with both the corona virus and the flu virus. Such co-infections could be particularly lethal for older individuals.
Government initiatives in immunization
The role of government in promoting flu vaccinations cannot be understated. Brazil serves as a prime example, where since 1999, government-led immunization campaigns have provided free flu shots, significantly increasing vaccination rates among seniors.
The crucial role of temperature monitoring
Given this backdrop, it becomes evident that seniors, particularly in regions with lower vaccination rates, need to be more vigilant during flu season. Regular monitoring of body temperature can serve as an early warning system for potential flu infection. This is where the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer comes into play. It’s a user-friendly, reliable, and accurate thermometer, ideal for seniors to monitor their health.
Regular temperature checks, twice daily, can be a crucial step in early detection of flu symptoms. The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, with its non-invasive and easy-to-use design, is particularly suited for elderly individuals who might find other methods of temperature taking like in-ear thermometers cumbersome or uncomfortable.
While vaccination remains a key strategy in combating flu-related health risks, regular monitoring of body temperature is an essential practice, especially for seniors. It empowers them to take proactive steps in managing their health, potentially preventing the severe consequences of flu infections. The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer emerges as a valuable tool in this regard, combining ease of use with reliability and accuracy, making it a smart choice for daily health monitoring during flu seasons.
Source,
EXERGEN P/N 850225, Rev 1