What to know about COVID-19 in older adults

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, blocked nose, breathlessness, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, nausea or diarrhoea. An older adult may instead become confused, unusually sleepy, unsteady, or less interested in food and drink. Long-term heart, lung, kidney or immune conditions can make symptoms harder to judge, so compare with the person’s usual function.

Keep the person resting and drinking fluids if able, and follow local advice about testing and avoiding close contact. Record symptom changes and regular medicines. Contact a clinician early to discuss assessment and treatment options, particularly if the person has ongoing conditions or takes several medicines. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. Improve ventilation and use practical infection-control measures around other household members.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, blue or grey lips, collapse, a new inability to stay awake, or sudden severe confusion. Seek urgent clinical advice for worsening breathlessness, dehydration, persistent vomiting, a sharp decline in mobility or alertness, or deterioration in a long-term condition. A pulse oximeter reading should be interpreted with symptoms and clinician guidance rather than alone.

Ask which symptoms need urgent review, whether current medicines affect treatment choices, how to monitor hydration and breathing, and when the person can safely resume usual activities.