Nursing home staff need above-average flu protections

Planning on going to a nursing home or assisted living center this holiday season? Nursing home staff need to receive their flu shots just as much as anyone -- or even more. If they do, that segment alone receiving their flu shots may help prevent potentially deadly outbreaks among elderly residents.

A new study suggests this and it makes perfect sense for this to happen.The flu may not be but a nuisance to many of us, but to the elderly who may have compromised or weakened immune systems, the flu can be a very nasty and potentially deadly ordeal to many.

The survey of more than 300 U.S. nursing homes concluded that flu outbreaks were less likely in facilities where most residents and staff members were vaccinated against the virus. If you're a nursing home or hospice worker, you've most likely already had an annual flu shot -- if not, get one soon.