Active living seniors are an important part of every community. The life experience and knowledge that they bring to community events, and the volunteer hours that they provide are invaluable to any town or city.
However, because seniors who contract the H1N1 virus are at risk for experiencing serious complications, individuals over 65 years of age should consider getting immunized.
CVS pharmacies in Massachusetts, Virginia and Orange County, California, will be offering H1N1 vaccines while supplies last.
"H1N1 flu is currently active in many communities across the country and it is likely that we will see increased flu activity, as is typically the case in January and February," said Dr. Troyen A. Brennan, the chief medical officer of CVS Caremark.
According to the Mayo Clinic, possible complications of influenza include pneumonia, respiratory failure and a worsening of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma.
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can reduce the symptoms associated with the flu, but there is currently no cure for the virus.
The American Health Care Association urges nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities to follow proper protocols in order to slow the spread of H1N1.
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