Jammu, March 16:
People above the age of 50 should get timely vaccination to prevent diseases like pneumonia, flu and shingles. This step can prove to be helpful in maintaining better health of the elderly and protecting them from serious infections. This vaccination is especially important for those who are suffering from health problems like diabetes, kidney disease or stress.
Dr Manik Mahajan, an expert at GMC Kathua, explains that according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Chest Society, infections like flu and pneumonia can pose serious health risks for the elderly.
To prevent these, flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine should be given priority. Pneumonia vaccine specifically protects against 13 types of pneumonia. At the same time, shingles vaccine is also considered very effective to prevent shingles which is caused by the zoster virus.
Dr. Mahajan says that the shingles vaccine is recommended for people above 50 years of age. This vaccine is helpful in preventing skin rashes and other related problems. The right time of vaccination depends on the geographical area.
