Prevention. Protection. Wellness. Primary care. We call it many names but keeping healthy doesn't just mean 'avoidance' of unhealthy food or practices. We are diligent to bring our children to a pediatrician in their first 5 years of life. We do this because we are afraid that they catch a disease which can predispose them to lower resistance or worst, hospitalization.
But, what do we do with our older parents? Do we feel the same need to protect them the way we protect our children? Only when we realize that one day we will go back to our low immune state will we be able to think of the welfare of our parents.
What are the recommended vaccines for adults? When one reaches the age of 55 to 60, the immune system decreases its competence. The number of immune cells may still be normal but they become less competent. As if they too grow old. This process is caused by presence of a chronic disease and/or accumulation of free radicals from an unhealthy diet. When one has not yet reached old age but is suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes or cancer, or is constantly bedridden because of viral attacks, he too is a candidate for adult vaccination. To help fight common offending agents, it is recommended, that we give the following to older individuals.
1. Pneumococcal vaccine- bacterial pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity among older individuals. Pneumonia vaccine is administered intramuscularly and gives 5 years protection against difference strains of streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Influenza vaccine- is given once every year as protection for the deadly Haemophilus influenza virus. This virus is responsible for frequent absenteeism of most employed individuals and students alike. It renders a person bedridden for 7 to 14 weeks depending on severity of infection. Each year new viral strains surface as the virus is notorious for its mutational capacity. This yearly new viral strain is the rationale for it's once a year schedule.
3. Tetanus. This comes in toxoid or immunoglobulin form. In the elderly, with no acute injuries, usually the toxoid is given. It is supposed to protect the person for 10 years. The rationale for giving this vaccine is that elder person are relegated to do manual tasks at home like gardening and small repairs. This predisposes them to cuts and abrasions which may become entry points for Clostridium tetani.
The only contraindication for admininistration is allergy towards the formulation of the vaccine. Vaccination is delayed when patients have fever because it is one of the possible effects of the drug. Hence, if one has fever, let the fever subside or give at least two weeks waiting time before giving the vaccine.
If we love our parents, let us give them the protection they need. We have to realize, we too will become 60 someday. Our passage on earth is simply a difference of time but all of us will pass through the same stages whether we like it or not.
But, what do we do with our older parents? Do we feel the same need to protect them the way we protect our children? Only when we realize that one day we will go back to our low immune state will we be able to think of the welfare of our parents.
What are the recommended vaccines for adults? When one reaches the age of 55 to 60, the immune system decreases its competence. The number of immune cells may still be normal but they become less competent. As if they too grow old. This process is caused by presence of a chronic disease and/or accumulation of free radicals from an unhealthy diet. When one has not yet reached old age but is suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes or cancer, or is constantly bedridden because of viral attacks, he too is a candidate for adult vaccination. To help fight common offending agents, it is recommended, that we give the following to older individuals.
1. Pneumococcal vaccine- bacterial pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity among older individuals. Pneumonia vaccine is administered intramuscularly and gives 5 years protection against difference strains of streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Influenza vaccine- is given once every year as protection for the deadly Haemophilus influenza virus. This virus is responsible for frequent absenteeism of most employed individuals and students alike. It renders a person bedridden for 7 to 14 weeks depending on severity of infection. Each year new viral strains surface as the virus is notorious for its mutational capacity. This yearly new viral strain is the rationale for it's once a year schedule.
3. Tetanus. This comes in toxoid or immunoglobulin form. In the elderly, with no acute injuries, usually the toxoid is given. It is supposed to protect the person for 10 years. The rationale for giving this vaccine is that elder person are relegated to do manual tasks at home like gardening and small repairs. This predisposes them to cuts and abrasions which may become entry points for Clostridium tetani.
The only contraindication for admininistration is allergy towards the formulation of the vaccine. Vaccination is delayed when patients have fever because it is one of the possible effects of the drug. Hence, if one has fever, let the fever subside or give at least two weeks waiting time before giving the vaccine.
If we love our parents, let us give them the protection they need. We have to realize, we too will become 60 someday. Our passage on earth is simply a difference of time but all of us will pass through the same stages whether we like it or not.
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