Pneumonia Warning

The flu shot may not protect you from pneumonia. Here's what you need to know for cold and flu season.

Seniors who think their flu shot makes them invincible this winter may want to think again. A recent Group Health study of 3,500 people found that those who got the vaccine had the same risk of getting pneumonia as those who weren't vaccinated. Researchers suspect that either the flu vaccine doesn't work as well as it should in seniors or that their pneumonia is not from the flu.

Bottom line
Lead study author Michael L. Jackson, PhD, still recommends an annual flu shot. He also suggests frequent hand washing. If you're over 65 or have a chronic condition, ask your doctor about the PPV vaccine, which may protect against many types of pneumonia.