Another
reason to have a good attitude as you age. Flu shots work better for seniors
that are in a good mood and have a good attitude. Why is this important.
According to the World Health Organization, 2016, between 250,000 and 500,000
deaths are estimated to occur worldwide annually as a result of seasonal
influenza epidemics
The
current research is clear that the vast majority of these deaths (in excess of
90% in industrialised countries), as well as non-fatal influenza-associated
hospitalizations, occur in those aged 65 years or older. Influenza vaccination
is comparatively poor at inducing clinical protection in those 65 years of age
and older. Clinical efficacy is estimated to be only 17–53% in older adults
compared to 70–90% in younger adults
This
means influenza vaccination is least effective amongst those in most need of
protection. While pharmacological solutions to this issue have shown some
promise, the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in older adults remains
relatively poor.
According
to a study
done at Nottingham University in 2017 influenza vaccination is estimated to
only be effective in 17–53% of older adults. Multiple patient behaviors and
psychological factors have been shown to act as ‘immune modulators’ sufficient
to influence vaccination outcomes.
However,
the relative importance of such factors is unknown as they have typically been
examined in isolation. The study was to explore the effects of multiple
behavioral (physical activity, nutrition, sleep) and psychological influences
(stress, positive mood, negative mood) on the effectiveness of the immune
response to influenza vaccination in the elderly.
One
hundred and thirty-eight community-dwelling older adults (65–85 years) who received
the 2014/15 influenza vaccination completed repeated psycho-behavioral measures
over the two weeks prior, and four weeks following influenza vaccination.
Positive
mood on the day of vaccination was a significant predictor of antibody
responses at 16 weeks post-vaccination controlling for age and gender.
Positive mood across the 6-week observation period was also significantly
associated with post-vaccination antibody response at 16 weeks
post-vaccination. No other factors were found to significantly predict antibody
responses to vaccination. Greater positive mood in older adults, particularly
on the day of vaccination, is associated with enhanced responses to vaccination.
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