Ads
related to: signs and symptoms of flu in adults elderlyLearn How to Spot Potentially Serious Flu Symptoms. Spotting Them Can Be Key To Getting An Effective Antiviral Rx - Visit Us To Learn More.
Explore a Wide Range Of Products Like Allergy Medicines, Antacids and More. Get Deals and Low Prices On oscillococcinum flu remedy At Amazon
Search results
People also ask
Why is the flu more dangerous for older adults?
What are emergency symptoms of the flu?
What are the symptoms of a flu & a cold?
Home. Health Topics A-Z. Flu and Older Adults. Español. On this page: How serious is the flu? How does the flu spread? Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19? How can you prevent the flu? What can I do if I get the flu? Each year, millions of people suffer from seasonal influenza, which is often called the flu.
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Complications
- Treatment
- Prevention
- When to speak with a doctor
- Summary
Influenza, which people commonly call flu, is typically a seasonal infection. It is more likely to cause complications, such as pneumonia, in older adults than younger adults.
This article explores how flu may affect older people, including symptoms, potential complications, and treatment. It also explains how people may help prevent the spread of flu and when they may need to speak with a healthcare professional.
For more information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this flu season, visit our dedicated hub.
Was this helpful?
Flu generally causes a rapid onset of symptoms.
The virus usually takes about 2 days to incubate before a person’s symptoms start, though it can take 1–4 days.
A person will often experience some of the following with flu:
•coughing
•fever or chills
•body or muscle aches
Adults over the age of 65 have a higher chance of developing severe flu complications compared with younger, healthy adults.
A weakening immune system in older adults causes them to be more susceptible to serious illness. In addition, older individuals are more likely to have other health conditions, such as diabetes, that elevate their risk of developing complications from the flu.
Pneumonia is a serious complication associated with the flu. In some cases, it can lead to death.
Other potentially severe complications of the flu can include:
•encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain
•sepsis
People do not always need formal medical treatment for flu.
Those presenting with only mild symptoms may be able to use over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms. They should then seek medical attention if they start to feel worse.
However, the National Insitute on Aging (NIA) advises older individuals to speak with a healthcare professional if they contract flu.
A doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to the following groups:
•older adults
•people presenting with moderate to severe flu symptoms
Flu may spread through tiny droplets when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets may land on another person’s nose or mouth, causing them to contract the virus.
A person can also get the virus from touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching their mouth or nose. However, this is less common.
Most people over the age of 65 should seek medical attention at the first signs of illness with the flu, due to being at high risk of severe infection and complications.
A person should also seek emergency medical attention if they experience any of the following with flu:
•persistent dizziness and confusion
•shortness of breath or trouble breathing
•pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen that does not go away
•severe muscle pain
A person over the age of 65 has a higher risk of developing potentially dangerous complications from flu.
It is best for people in this age group to consider getting a flu vaccination unless a healthcare professional instructs them not to do so, which only happens in rare cases. They also need to avoid contact with people who have the flu and seek medical help if they develop any flu-like symptoms.
Jan 10, 2024 · Request an Appointment. Symptoms & causes. Diagnosis & treatment. Doctors & departments. Overview. Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. The flu is caused by a virus.
Mar 21, 2024 · Symptoms and Treatment. Additional Resources. People 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications compared with young, healthy adults. This increased risk is due in part to changes in immune defenses with increasing age.
Oct 3, 2022 · What is the treatment? Flu complications. What are emergency warning signs of flu sickness? Flu Symptoms. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: fever* or feeling feverish/chills. cough. sore throat.
Aug 12, 2022 · After flu symptoms improve, you suddenly develop signs of a more serious problem including nausea, vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick,...
Sep 10, 2021 · Getty Images. Fever. Fatigue. Muscle aches. A cough. In the age of COVID-19, it can be hard to know what exactly these symptoms point to. One major clue that they point directly to the flu: They came on abruptly (while those associated with COVID-19 tend to start out mild and gradually worsen).
