Families Fighting Flu Shines a Spotlight on Grandparents in New Influenza Prevention Videos

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Families Fighting Flu announces the availability of a new video series on the importance of annual flu vaccination for seniors. The Protecting Grandparents from the Flu series features the Miller family and their battle with influenza when daughter, Caroline, nearly died from flu complications at the age of five. She was rushed between three hospitals and lay in a medically-induced coma for two weeks while her small body struggled to recover.  

"Grandparents are an important part of our families, and as they age, their health begins to decline," said Serese Marotta, Chief Operating Officer, Families Fighting Flu. "We want to help educate grandparents to understand the seriousness of the flu and their higher risk of developing complications from this dangerous and potentially deadly disease. Getting an annual flu vaccination protects seniors, and everyone around them, too, including their grandchildren." There are vaccines especially designed for seniors that are available this flu season.

Kathy Pool, Caroline's grandmother, knows firsthand about the importance of flu vaccinations for grandparents. "That the flu could become something that was so devastating to this family…That black abyss is something that people can avoid if they would simply get the flu vaccine," said Pool. She and her family share their stories in hope that no one else has to experience the near tragedy they went through. As part of the series, Joan Mann also discusses how her adult daughter, Kendra, sadly succumbed to the flu at age 35.

The bond between grandparent and grandchild is one rooted in fun, love and pure joy. The holidays, in particular, are filled with special moments and family get-togethers for baking, tree decorating, winter activities and seasonal traditions. We encourage individuals, and especially seniors, to protect themselves this holiday season with an annual flu vaccine so that they can continue doing the things they love with their families.

To watch the videos and to learn more about the flu, please visit: https://www.familiesfightingflu.org/multimedia/.

Flu Facts for Seniors
People over the age of 65 have an even greater chance of experiencing flu complications. At least 71 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths, and at least 54 percent of flu-related hospitalizations, occur with seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).¹ There are now specially-designed flu vaccines for seniors, meant to protect older people who face an increased risk from influenza.¹ The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older to protect against this serious, potentially deadly, but vaccine-preventable disease. 

About Families Fighting Flu
Families Fighting Flu is a national, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) volunteer-based advocacy organization dedicated to protecting children and their families against influenza. Our organization includes families whose children have suffered serious medical complications or died from influenza, as well as other advocates and healthcare practitioners committed to flu prevention. In honor of our children, we work to increase awareness about the seriousness of the disease and to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths caused by the flu each year by increasing vaccination rates.

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¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm. Accessed: December 5, 2017

SOURCE Families Fighting Flu