Cold and Flu Care for Older Adults

By Silver Sitters

A cold and the flu can cause similar symptoms, but they need different care. For an older adult, rest and comfort measures can help with symptoms while a healthcare professional assesses whether treatment is needed.

Contact a healthcare professional early

Adults 65 and older have a higher risk of serious flu complications. Contact a healthcare professional promptly when flu is suspected, even if symptoms seem mild. Prescription antiviral treatment works best when started early; a clinician can advise whether testing or treatment for flu or COVID-19 is appropriate.

Support comfort at home

• Make room for rest. Help with meals and everyday tasks so the person can rest comfortably.
• Offer fluids. Encourage regular drinks while following any fluid limits in the person’s care plan. Drinking water does not prevent a cold or cure the flu.
• Use suitable comfort measures. A clean humidifier or saline nasal spray may ease cold symptoms. Follow product instructions and keep equipment clean.
• Check medicines first. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional which over-the-counter products are suitable, considering existing conditions and other medicines. These products may relieve symptoms but do not cure a viral illness.

Help reduce the spread of illness

Wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Follow current public-health guidance about staying home while sick and reducing contact with others. Vaccination helps prevent influenza and its complications; it is not a treatment for an infection that has already begun.

Recognize urgent warning signs

Seek immediate medical help for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, difficulty waking, or other severe symptoms. Call 911 for an emergency. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms improve and then worsen, the person is not urinating, or an existing health condition gets worse.

Keep a record of symptoms and medicines to share with the clinician. Family members and caregivers can support the person’s treatment plan and help arrange appointments or transportation.