Is COVID-19 safe in older adults?

Older adults may have a greater chance of complications from COVID-19, particularly when they also have heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms can be mild at first, and some older people may show less fever than expected. New confusion, reduced alertness, poor appetite, or a sudden loss of independence can be meaningful signs of illness.

Keep recommended vaccinations up to date after discussing them with a clinician. Wash hands, improve airflow indoors, and avoid close contact with people who are unwell. If symptoms begin, arrange medical advice early because treatment decisions may depend on health history and how long symptoms have been present. Continue prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you to change them, and arrange help with fluids, meals, and monitoring if needed.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or inability to stay awake. Contact a clinician promptly for worsening cough, breathlessness, persistent fever, dehydration, marked weakness, or a sudden change in behaviour. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe if the person has a condition that raises the risk of complications.

Ask which symptoms require urgent review, whether early treatment is suitable, and how to monitor breathing, temperature, fluid intake, and alertness. Clarify which medicines should continue during an infection and who to contact outside normal clinic hours.