Keeping the older generation healthy and well is a priority for the authorities in virtually every country. While vaccines against some common illnesses have been available for many years, the development of new ones is frequently financed by private pharmaceutical firms with the government often providing partial funding. While this helps to keep the older generation healthy, there is the difficulty of knowing which annual flu vaccine to use and which strain will circulate.
Influenza vaccination is particularly important for the older population, whose immune systems are less efficient than those of younger people. The increasing number of middle aged and older people is undoubtedly a cause of concern to health authorities around the world. During the last twenty-five years the proportion of elderly people over sixty years of age has increased dramatically in most countries of Europe and Asia. It is estimated that around one in ten elderly people will develop a chronic condition caused by a deficiency in immune function. For information on working with the elderly, consider Support Worker Jobs Gloucester, visit Take 5 Healthcare
Some elderly people have a natural immunity to flu or the ability to resist infection but the course of illness will depend on their immune system which may be weaker than younger people. Some researchers think that elderly people may be vulnerable to some types of infectious agents which they may acquire through exposure to older relatives, carers and others. It is not known exactly what causes this weakness of the immune system in old age but it is believed that the decline in the levels of specific white blood cells known as t-cells is a major factor.