Flu and older adults: When to worry

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

---

For many adults, the flu is a brief illness, but for older Australians, it can be a serious health threat. Elderly individuals have weakened immune systems and face a greater risk of complications such as pneumonia or dehydration. Recognising the warning signs and understanding when to seek medical assistance are crucial for safety during the flu season.

Data from Australia shows that up to 85% of fatalities related to the flu occur in individuals aged 65 and older¹. With the flu season peaking between June and September, taking early preventative measures and staying informed can significantly impact health outcomes.

Flu Symptoms

The majority of adults recover from the flu at home, but certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

For the general adult population:

• Ongoing high fever (over 39°C)
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Severe fatigue or dizziness
• Deteriorating symptoms after initial improvement

For seniors (aged 65 and older):

Elderly individuals are more susceptible to complications such as pneumonia and dehydration. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience-

• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Rapid breathing or low oxygen saturation
• Extreme weakness or dehydration
• Exacerbation of chronic health issues like heart disease, asthma

Warning Signs

• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Continuous high fever or chills
• Extreme fatigue or bodily weakness
• Decreased urination or signs of dehydration
• Worsening of pre-existing medical conditions

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can avert complications and reduce recovery time.

Medical attention for flu

Visit the emergency room or contact emergency services if you observe:

• Chest discomfort or difficulty in breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe weakness or fainting
• A persistent fever that doesn’t respond to medication
• Abrupt confusion or delirium

If you are uncertain, a brief telehealth consultation can help assess whether urgent care or hospitalisation is necessary.

Risks and Complications

Aging inherently diminishes the immune system response, making it more challenging for older adults to combat infections like the flu. Chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart conditions, or respiratory issues increase the likelihood of complications. Older adults may also experience faster dehydration and may not exhibit common flu symptoms, such as a high fever, which can complicate early diagnosis. Surveillance data indicate² that older women, particularly in NSW, have higher incidences of influenza infection.

Common complications related to the flu in older adults include:

• Pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Strain on the heart or heart failure
• Bacterial infections like bronchitis
• Sepsis (a severe blood infection)

These complications can arise swiftly, making prompt medical consultation critical.

Preventing flu complications in older adults

Getting an annual vaccination is the most effective way to guard against severe influenza. In Australia, everyone aged six months and older is recommended to receive a flu shot each year. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) offers free vaccines for:

• Individuals aged 65 and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• Pregnant individuals (at any stage)
• People with chronic health conditions, including heart disease, or lung diseases

Schedule your flu vaccination early, preferably by April, to ensure protection throughout the peak season (June–September).

How flu spreads

The flu spreads via droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may settle on surfaces or be inhaled by others. It can also be transmitted through direct contact, like shaking hands or touching contaminated items. Given the flu’s high contagion rate, consistent handwashing, wearing masks during outbreaks, and avoiding close interactions with sick individuals are vital preventive measures, particularly for seniors.

Flu vs. cold vs. COVID-19: key differences

Symptom	Flu	Cold	COVID-19
Onset	Sudden	Gradual	Varies (gradual or sudden)
Fever	Common, high (38°C+)	Rare	Common, may be high
Cough	Dry or productive	Mild	Dry and persistent
Sore throat	Sometimes	Common	Sometimes
Runny/stuffy nose	Sometimes	Common	Sometimes
Fatigue	Common	Mild	Common, but can get severe
Body aches	Common and severe	Mild	Common
Shortness of breath	Rare	Rare	Common in severe cases
Loss of taste/smell	Rare	Rare	Common
Sneezing	Sometimes	Common	Rare

Prevention tips

If you fall ill with the flu, here are some tips for managing your symptoms and recovering more quickly:

• Rest and stay hydrated: Drink lots of fluids such as water, broth, and herbal teas.
• Use natural remedies: Steam inhalation and warm saltwater gargles can help soothe congestion and a sore throat.
• Stay at home: Keep away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.
• Consider antiviral medications: When taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of the illness.
• Consult a telehealth practitioner: Seek prompt medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals if your symptoms worsen.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Doctors certificate online​ — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists – or in-person services when needed
• 24/7 online instant scripts (if clinically appropriate) — at a clinician’s discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest.

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Conclusion 

The flu does not have to pose a serious risk for older adults. With prompt care, vaccination, and early medical intervention, significant complications can be mitigated. Stay proactive, get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and pay attention to your body. If symptoms emerge, connect with a Hola Health doctor online for swift, trustworthy medical guidance, enabling you to recover safely and with confidence at home.