With the flu and cold season approaching, it’s time to protect yourself not only from these seasonal threats but also from other health risks.
“During the holiday season, our lives get very busy with family and friends,” said Dr. J.B. Sobel, Chief Medical Officer of Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business. “Before that, please take the time to ensure you receive the preventive care you need to stay healthy.”
Preventive care is essential for everyone, but particularly for older adults, especially in the fall when risks can increase, Sobel said. Recommendations vary based on age, gender, and health status, but the following are some of the most common for seniors, according to Sobel.
Vaccines
There are several vaccines that older adults need to consider to protect themselves. Flu and pneumonia, for example, are among the leading causes of death in seniors. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. Timing and frequency vary depending on your health history. Consult your healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for you.
• Flu. This vaccine is given annually, usually before the end of October, and is designed to match the most recent circulating flu strains.
• Pneumonia. Administration varies based on health history. If you are 65 or older and have never had the vaccine before, you will likely need two doses, given one year apart.
• Shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the shingles vaccine for healthy adults aged 50 and older, spaced two to six months apart, to prevent shingles and related complications.
• COVID-19. Ask your doctors about current recommendations for preventing COVID-19 infections.
• RSV. Earlier this year, the Federal Drug Administration approved two separate vaccines to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. RSV, a common respiratory infection, usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be more severe in older adults and children. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the RSV vaccine.
Health Screenings
The following health screenings are commonly recommended for older adults.
• Mammography. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, according to the CDC. Every woman is at risk, and the risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer can often be successfully treated when detected early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women aged 50 to 74 with average risk have a mammogram every two years.
• Colorectal screening. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Screenings can find precancerous polyps early so they can be removed before they become cancer. The USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults aged 45 to 75. While colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, there are other options you may consider with your provider’s help.
• Bone density test. The USPSTF recommends that women aged 65 and older, and women aged 60 and older with increased risk, be routinely screened for osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. Screening can facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures.
• Eye exam. Routine eye exams can identify early signs of eye diseases that are more likely with aging. People with diabetes, in particular, are prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss. It is recommended that people with diabetes have annual retina screenings.
• Mental health assessment. Many people experience seasonal depression in the fall. Mental health is strongly linked to physical health. Talk to your healthcare provider about both, including your personal and family history. They can connect you to additional mental health resources.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, Sobel suggests talking to your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or insurer about the costs of preventive care. Fortunately, costs are often fully covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage, he said.
Source: StatePoint