Older people urged to get flu jab

Age Action has urged everyone over 65 to get the flu vaccine as a matter of urgency, as the number of older people reporting flu-like symptoms continues to rise.

Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins advised older people if they have not yet been vaccinated this winter to get the vaccine now as a matter of urgency.

The number of flu-like illness among those aged over 64 has risen from 22 per 100,000 in the last week of December to 52 per 100,000 during the first week of January.

The flu rate for 15 to 64 year olds is the highest since the national surveillance system for fluu was introduced in 2000-2001.

A&E departments are also reporting increased numbers of over-65s being treated for severe respiratory illness.

Age Action also says older people should also be aiming to keep the temperature in the main room of their homes to 21 degrees celsius and 18 degrees in other rooms.

Other steps older poeple can take to keep well and warm include dressing correctly in warm clothes, remaining as active as possible, eating well and insulating your home.

[Posted: Fri 09/01/2009]