Flu Shot Facts, Part 4 of 5: Protection Beyond the Shot, Plus Flu vs. COVID

This series breaks down "Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do for 2026" by geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, of Better Health While Aging. The original article and its insights are hers; you can read the full piece here.

The flu shot is the most important step, but it is not the only one. Dr. Kernisan also shares practical ways older adults and their families can lower flu risk all season long.

Don't forget the pneumonia vaccine

Dr. Kernisan notes that a one-time pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination is recommended for older adults. If your loved one isn't sure whether they've had it, it's worth asking their doctor.

Reduce exposure

From the article, simple everyday habits that help:

• "Wash your hands often."

• "Clean household surfaces."

• "Avoid exposure to people who may be infected."

• "Minimize your time near people who have not been vaccinated."

• Encourage everyone in the household, and regular visitors, to get their flu shots too.

Support the immune system

Dr. Kernisan also encourages older adults to "take good care of your health and body," including getting enough sleep, managing stress, and not smoking.

Flu vs. COVID: what's the difference?

Both viruses spread through the air and can start with similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart at first. According to Dr. Kernisan, COVID differs in a few key ways: people may be contagious for longer, it can cause more severe complications affecting organs, and some people develop long-lasting symptoms.

She also points out that it's possible to have both at once, and that coinfection raises the risk of a severe outcome. That's one more reason to stay up to date on both vaccines.

Quick answers

How can seniors avoid the flu besides the vaccine? Wash hands often, clean surfaces, avoid sick people, make sure household members are vaccinated, and prioritize sleep, stress management, and not smoking.

Should older adults get a pneumonia vaccine? Yes. Dr. Kernisan notes a one-time pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for older adults.

Can you have the flu and COVID at the same time? Yes, and coinfection increases the risk of severe illness.

From the Indigo team

These are the same habits we follow in our clients' homes: frequent handwashing, wiping down high-touch surfaces, and staying home when we're sick. We encourage families to share the same expectations with every visitor, especially during flu season.

If you missed them, Part 2 covers the four vaccines recommended for older adults and Part 3 covers safety and side effects.

Coming up in Part 5 of 5: What to do when a parent or grandparent doesn't want the flu shot, and a reminder that Medicare covers it 100%.

Source: Kernisan, Leslie, MD MPH. "Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do for 2026." Better Health While Aging, September 18, 2026. https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/flu-shots-in-aging-what-to-know/

This post summarizes an article by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, for general education. It isn't medical advice. Talk with your or your loved one's doctor about which vaccine is right for you.