[Ditter]

I have had the flu many times and I always ended up with a bacterial infection like a sinus infection, bronchial infection. fortunately I never had pneumonia, but it is my understanding that is what most people actually die from after having the flu. The viral flu is over in about a week and that is when the bacterial infection takes over.

I am careful to never forget to get my flu shot in mid October and I have not had the flu since I have been doing that.

[Texicanus]

Yes, pneumonia is the killer of older people. Once it gets to an advanced stage our immune systems are too weakened to fight if off like when we were younger. I never ignore a cold or influenza and begin treating it as soon as the symptoms appear.

In my case, the flu shots don’t seem to help that much so I try to keep my immune system healthy through moderate daily exercise and good nutrition. I am way past my expiration date, so like Forest Gump I just keep moving and doing the things that I think are right for me. So far, so good, but time changes everything as we age.