The Flu + You: Campaign for People Over 65

There is a chance you can get the flu anytime during the year, but peak season is between October and February.

If you've ever experienced the flu, you know how miserable the symptoms are. You may experience a headache, body chills, aches and cramps, fever, sore throat and runny nose.

The flu can be extremely dangerous and even deadly to the 65 and older population.

One reason that flu can be severe for seniors is the immune system weakens with age, which makes it harder to fight disease.

The flu can also make existing health problems worse for people with chronic health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, which often affect older adults. People with these conditions are more likely to develop complications from the flu that can result in hospitalization and even death.

The flu hits older adults the hardest, yet the Flu + You survey found that many seniors underestimate the seriousness of the flu and are largely unaware of their vaccine options.

Two-time Emmy and Tony award-winning actress, Judith Light, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) are teaming up for the second year on the national educational initiative Flu + You to educate older adults and those who care for them about the seriousness of influenza, the importance of prevention and available vaccine options.

Listen in as Light joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss this campaign for the 65 and older population.