According to estimates, nearly 6500 people over the age of 65 die in Poland due to influenza. This number is greater than that presented by official data, which may indicate a significant underestimation.
- This season, 64 people have died in Poland due to influenza and post-influenza complications – according to official Polish statistics
- The European estimates by the FLUMOMO method show, however, that in Poland each year about 6500 people die from influenza, which would mean a very large underestimation
- Age is one of the most important risk factors for complications and deaths from influenza, so seniors should be given special preventive care.
- In Europe, most countries offer free influenza vaccination for the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases. In Poland, seniors over 65 can use 50 percent. discount on these vaccinations
This season because of flu and post-flu complications 64 people died in Poland. The highest number of deaths was recorded among seniors (66%). At the end of the season, there was a significant decline in the flu and flu-like illness curve, mainly due to the restrictions and social isolation associated with the COVID-19 epidemic.
The established restrictions undoubtedly limit the spread of all viruses, including influenza. However, flu is more effective and easier to prevent through vaccination. According to the experts of the National Program for Combating Influenza, it is important to increase the availability of flu vaccinations, so that in the future it would be easier to differentiate flu from COVID-19, the initial symptoms of which are very similar.
According to the data of the National Institute of Hygiene [1], in the fall-winter season (1.09.2019/30.04.2020/3-769/480/16) 684 5,8 5 people fell ill with influenza and flu-like diseases. There is an increased number of hospitalizations (XNUMX). It is XNUMX percent. higher compared to the previous season. This year, type A virus is responsible for the vast majority of cases. Type B viruses accounted for only XNUMX percent. diagnosed illnesses. There were 64 deaths due to influenza and its complications, but estimates based on European data from FLUMOMO [2] indicate that in Poland each year about 6500 people over 65 die from influenza, which would mean a very large underestimation of the data published in Poland.
Flu in the elderly
The share of the elderly is growing significantly in the demographic structure. The latest Eurostat report shows that in 2050 every third European will be a senior! [3] Therefore, in the age of an aging society, prevention plays an important role. It is, no doubt age is one of the most important risk factors for complications and deaths from influenza.
The likelihood of severe influenza complications requiring hospitalization in people over 65 is much higher. As much as 92,5 percent. seniors over 70 years of age suffer from chronic diseases which additionally weaken their immunity. Among seniors who were hospitalized for acute disease, including influenza – 35 percent. a deterioration in functioning was observed, i.e. a new disability. During the year, only 30 percent. the sick returns to their pre-disease state of health.
The Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights made 2020 the Year of the Senior. Its activities will focus on providing relevant information, education and raising awareness of the Polish senior citizen about the rights of the patient and the health services he or she is entitled to.
– The inevitable structural changes in society mean the necessity to flexibly adapt to the health care system. Older people require a different type of care and health care and expenditure and belong to a high-risk group. Seniors suffer the greatest consequences from catching the flu and its complications. Therefore, it is worth protecting the weakest group from influenza and providing them with free flu vaccinations, especially among patients over 75 years of age. – comments prof. Adam Antczak, chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program for Combating Influenza.
Influenza vaccination among the elderly
Seniors over 65 years of agewho are aware of the risks and want to prevent serious complications from influenza can take advantage of 50% reimbursement. flu vaccines. In Poland, however, vaccination coverage among seniors is still low. For this reason, experts from the National Influenza Program call for free vaccinations for people over 75 years of age. Placing them on the list of drugs for seniors 75+ category “S” will certainly contribute to the improvement of vaccination coverage of people particularly at risk of post-flu complications. This will reduce the mortality rate due to influenza complications, but also lower hospitalization expenses.
In Europe, most countries offer free flu vaccinations for the elderly, those suffering from chronic diseases or for pregnant women. According to the recommendations of WHO and the Council of the European Union, the vaccination coverage should be 75 percent. for people over 65, in Poland this level fluctuates at the level of 14,2 percent. and remains one of the lowest in Europe.
W the era of the coronavirus it is evident how important the role of immunity and prevention is among the elderly, who are particularly at risk of developing the disease. Therefore, reimbursed and properly made available flu vaccines should be the new standard. Only by building adequate resilience and awareness will we be able to effectively protect the elderly.
The current demographic situation and the COVID-19 epidemic causes overload of the Polish health system. Therefore, an important issue remains the introduction of a new division of duties and powers for healthcare professionals. Increasing the entitlements for nurses and pharmacists to qualify for vaccinations and to perform vaccinations itself will relieve the medical community and protect the country against other infectious diseases in the future. Better access to vaccinations will significantly increase the vaccination coverage rate.
One of the most important characteristics of the flu virus is its antigenic variabilityso it is imperative to repeat vaccinations every year. It is worth thinking about influenza vaccination today, especially as the next flu season will coincide with the likely further part of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Read also:
- Almost two million cases of influenza in Poland since the beginning of the year. COVID-19 attacked later
- How is the coronavirus epidemic different from the flu epidemic?
- How to cure the flu?