The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published a new online toolkit developed to increase awareness about the dangers of influenza in U.S. adults with chronic health conditions and the importance of annual vaccination.
As you know, influenza (flu) is a contagious and potentially deadly virus that can result in serious complications for individuals living with certain chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, even when the conditions are well-controlled. Estimates indicate that 31% of US adults age 50-64, and 47% of those age 65 and older, have at least one chronic health condition that puts them at high risk for flu-related complications, including hospitalization, catastrophic disability, and even death.
To learn more and raise awareness about the dangers of flu in adults with chronic health conditions, use the below resources:
- NFID Call to Action: The Dangers of Influenza and Benefits of Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Health Conditions, supported by nearly 20 partner organizations, addressing current challenges and strategies for increasing flu vaccination rates in adults with chronic health conditions
- The Dangers of Influenza (Flu): Why Adults with Chronic Health Conditions Need to Get Vaccinated, infographics that provide an overview of the burden of flu in adults with chronic health conditions, with space for partner organizations to co-brand and include their own logo. The infographics can be used as posters and/or shared on websites and via social media. Consumer/patient version available at: www.nfid.org/idinfo/influenza/flu-chc-download-patient-infographic.
- Fact Sheets on the Dangers of Influenza (Flu) for People with: Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Lung Disease
- Archived one-hour webinar, Protecting Adults with Chronic Health Conditions against Influenza, accredited for physicians (CME) and pharmacists (CPE)
- The Dangers of Influenza and Benefits of Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Health Conditions, peer-reviewed CME journal article published in Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice.
