Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people, including, but not limited to, those over the age of 65, those with medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes or weakened immune systems. It is recommended that those over 65 receive a high-dose vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, which contains four times the amount of antigen than that of a traditional flu vaccine; the additional antigen will create a stronger immune response in the vaccinated person.

Pneumonia moves easily from one person to another, usually through a cough or sneeze; all it takes is contact with infected droplets on the skin or in the air. It is also a common flu-related complication. It is more dangerous for those over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses such as heart, liver, kidney or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems or who live adult-living facilities, simply because there is more exposure. It is recommended adults over the age of 65 receive the Prevnar 13 vaccine (PCV13) at the age of 65 and the Pneumovax 23 vaccine (PPSV23) no sooner than one year later. The Pneumovax 23 should be re-administered every 5 years.

Shingles is a very painful skin eruption that usually develops on one side of the body, most often on the face or torso. The skin eruptions usually start as blisters and scab over in a week or so and heal within a month. The intense burning and pain that comes with the onset usually last months to years after the lesions have healed. This condition is called post-herpetic neuralgia and is the most common complication of shingles. The risk of shingles increases as you get older. It is recommended that those over the age of 50 received the two-dose Shingrix vaccine, separated by 2-6 months. You should have this vaccine even if you have had shingles or chicken pox and/or have received the Zostavax vaccine (the earlier approved shingles vaccine).