January 24, 2013         

The flu virus is a serious concern across Tennessee, and one group of people is especially vulnerable.
   
Mid-State caregivers are doing their best to protect seniors from the flu.

"But you know the flu is just really an epidemic now," says caregiver Kathy Yates.

Inside Beverly St. John's Oak Hill home, flu prevention is an important topic.

"We need to protect ourselves and we need to protect other people too," says Yates.

Visiting Angels is an in-home care company for seniors.

The company is putting together "Fight the Flu Kits."

"We look for anyway that we can help keep our care recipients healthy," says Geary Tanner with Visiting Angels of Spring Hill.

According to the CDC, people over 65 are vulnerable to the flu because their immune systems are weaker.
   
Senior citizens account for 60% of flu-related hospitalizations, and 90% of all flu-related deaths.

That's why Visiting Angels is dropping off one of these kits for each of its clients.

"A lot of it has to do with sanitation...killing the germs and the viruses," says Tanner.

Beverly St. John is pleased to receive her kit. She knows how important it is to kill germs this time of year.

"But I think it's excellent, and if this can catch on it will certainly prevent a lot of flu," says St. John.

A few simple precautions to hopefully protect the most vulnerable.

"Whoever put that together did a good job.  Thought of just about everything," says St. John.

The flu is showing some signs of weakening in Tennessee.
 
While it is widespread across most of the nation, the CDC reports it's active in only parts of the Volunteer State.

For news updates follow John Dunn on twitter @WZTVJohnDunn