How is influenza different in older adults?

An older person may develop sudden fatigue, aches, headache, sore throat, cough or fever. However, the first noticeable change can be sleeping more, eating less, becoming unsteady, or seeming confused. A person with chronic lung or heart disease may notice more breathlessness or a flare of their usual symptoms.

A normal temperature does not rule out influenza. Pay attention to function: can the person get out of bed, drink, take regular medicines and communicate as usual? New confusion or a rapid loss of independence is clinically meaningful and should not be dismissed as ordinary ageing.

Encourage regular fluids, light food if tolerated and rest. Record changes in alertness, breathing, urine output and ability to walk safely. Continue prescribed medicines unless a clinician advises otherwise, and ask for advice about any medicine used for fever or aches, particularly if kidney, liver, stomach or blood-thinning problems are present.

Arrange medical advice early for an older adult with influenza symptoms, especially when they live alone or have long-term heart, lung, kidney or immune-system conditions. Reduce exposure to others through hand hygiene, ventilation and staying home while unwell. Read more about [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/).

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, fainting, new severe confusion, inability to stay awake, or signs of serious dehydration. Prompt assessment is also needed when oxygen-related symptoms worsen, existing disease becomes difficult to control, or the person deteriorates after an initial improvement.

Ask whether early assessment or antiviral treatment should be considered, how to manage regular medicines during illness, and which changes in breathing, alertness or hydration require emergency help. Bring a list of medicines and long-term conditions.