For Immediate Release

BOOSTERS for BOOMERS

By Daniel Kortsch, M.D.

Philadelphia, PA, Tuesday, November 11, 2008 — Americans are constantly redefining what is considered “old.”  Sixty is the new 50; 70 is the new 60 and we all live longer than ever before. As we age we become more susceptible to illness and disease and for adults over the age of 60, these illnesses can be very serious. The good news is that many illnesses can be prevented through proper immunization.

In fact, adults over the age of 60 can lower their risk of developing influenza, pneumonia, shingles and tetanus through a few simple injections. These vaccinations are becoming more important as we see the prevalence of antibiotic resistant “superbugs” increasing annually. For older adults vaccines are a simple step towards a healthier future.

Influenza

With flu season now beginning, it is important to make getting the flu vaccine a top priority, as it takes 2 to 3 weeks to become effective. The flu vaccine can either be given as a shot or as a nasal spray and it is the best prevention against contracting the flu. Although more than 90 percent of influenza-related deaths occur in people more than 60 years old, there is controversy regarding how much the flu vaccine can prevent this type of mortality. The vaccine is recommended for almost all people, but is most helpful for young children, older adults and for anyone with chronic medical conditions such as chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases. 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a severe infection of the lungs often caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Death from pneumonia is so common that when combined with the flu, is the eighth leading cause of death in our country. Although both bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia, the pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 types of the pneumococcal bacteria.  By protecting against so many different strains of the pneumococcal bacteria, the vaccine not only decreases the risk of pneumonia but also decreases the risk of sepsis, meningitis and other types of very serious, invasive diseases. According to the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases, more than half of pneumococcal cases and most deaths in adults could have been prevented with this vaccine.  The adult pneumococcal vaccine is usually given only once after the age of 65, but should be given earlier in individuals with a poor immune system.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has the chickenpox, the virus has the ability to hide in the nerve cells.  Although the virus rarely causes problems while hiding in those infected nerves, the virus can become reactivated. When the virus is activated, it travels down the nerve and causes a terribly painful rash wherever that nerve goes. Although what triggers the reactivation of the virus remains elusive, we know that people who have been under physical or emotional stress are more likely to have shingles. The shingles vaccine was approved in 2006 and is recommended for anyone over the age of 60 and for patients who have had shingles in the past.  It is very effective in reducing the duration of pain while the rash is present and it lessens the chance of long-term pain following a shingles rash.

Tetanus

When we think of tetanus, we often think of rusty nails. Tetanus, however, is much more. Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter the body through wounds or cuts exposed to soil. Most people who develop tetanus infections are over the age of 65. It is recommended that children and adults receive the tetanus vaccine every 10 years. 

Vaccinations are the best defense against illness. To receive additional information on available vaccinations, or to schedule an appointment to update your immunization, contact your primary care provider. If you’re looking for a physician in our area or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kortsch, call Chestnut Hill Hospital’s physician referral line, 215-753-2000.