Is influenza safe in older adults?

Older adults may have less obvious fever or may become unwell quickly with influenza. Cough, fatigue, weakness, reduced appetite and breathlessness can interfere with eating, drinking and regular medicines. Flu can aggravate chronic lung or heart disease and may be followed by a chest infection. New confusion, a fall or sudden loss of independence can be an early sign of serious illness, even without a dramatic fever.

Encourage fluids, rest and small nourishing meals if tolerated. Check that prescribed medicines are taken safely and watch for changes in breathing, alertness, mobility and urine output. Contact a clinician early after flu symptoms begin, especially if the person has a long-term condition or takes medicines that affect immunity. Reduce exposure to others who are ill and use careful hand hygiene.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, blue lips, collapse, a seizure, or new severe confusion. Seek prompt medical assessment for worsening breathlessness, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, a fall, or symptoms that improve and then return with greater intensity.

Ask whether early antiviral treatment is suitable, how to adjust monitoring of existing conditions, which symptoms should trigger urgent care, and how vaccination fits your health plan.