MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK– Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with an influenza virus.
The best way to protect yourself from either of these illnesses is to get vaccinated. Updated vaccines for both influenza and COVID-19 are now available.
In this Q&A, Dr. Robert Jacobson, medical director for Mayo Clinic's Primary Care Immunization Program, answers...
Adults age 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu.
Annual influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended to help prevent flu and flu-related complications. Three flu vaccines are preferentially recommended for adults 65 years and older, including higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines.
Flu can be serious for everyone – but for adults age 65 years and older, the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalization is particularly high.
Immune systems decline as adults...