Influenza in Older Adults

Annually, influenza viruses cause significant disease in older adults, varying with the virulence of the circulating strain, prior exposure to circulating strain, and influenza vaccine effectiveness. Older adults often present atypically (eg, without fever) and with complications of influenza infection, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure exacerbations. Prevention methods include antiviral medications and vaccines. Current influenza vaccines have moderate effectiveness for the prevention of hospitalization, but newer more immunogenic vaccines designed for adults 65 and older have been licensed.