Health Info > Infections Published on : April 15, 2025

Flu and older adults: When to worry

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola. Medically Reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Summary: The flu poses a major threat to older adults due to weakened immune systems and pre-existing medical conditions. Identifying warning signs such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and confusion is essential. Preventive steps, such as getting the annual flu vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help minimise risk and alleviate symptoms, ensuring seniors are safer during flu season.

The flu can be a significant concern for older adults. While most people might just feel a little under the weather, for seniors, it can be much more serious. Their immune system isn’t as responsive, and with chronic health conditions, the flu can result in serious complications. It is estimated that between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people aged 65 years and older and between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalisations have occurred among people in this age group. Understanding when to take the flu seriously and when to seek medical help is crucial. So, let’s dive into why the flu is more concerning for seniors, the key warning signs, and how to prevent flu season from becoming a major health issue.

Disease surveillance shows more females in age 60+ are prone to influenza, with most cases in NSW. National Communicable diseases surveillance dashboard

National Communicable diseases surveillance dashboard

When to seek medical attention for all adults?

Most adults can handle the flu at home, but it's important to seek medical help for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a persistent high fever, or if the condition worsens after initial improvement. Older adults (65+) have a greater chance of complications like pneumonia and should get immediate care if they experience extreme weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, or dehydration. If a pre-existing medical condition worsens, getting medical advice is essential. To prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital, telehealth services can assist in evaluating symptoms and deciding on the next steps. Flu vaccinations and prompt antiviral treatment, if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, can lessen the severity, especially for older adults. If you're unsure, reach out to a doctor online or visit urgent care to avoid complications.

When to seek medical attention for older adults (65 and over)?

Older adults (65+) are more vulnerable to complications from the flu, including pneumonia and dehydration. They should seek prompt medical care if they have difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, extreme weakness, a persistent high fever, or if a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes worsens. Urgent care is also needed for signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or dizziness. If symptoms are troubling but not life-threatening, telehealth services can quickly connect you with a doctor for advice. Early antiviral therapy and flu vaccines can mitigate severe impacts.

When should you go to the hospital for the flu?

You should go to the hospital for the flu if you experience the following symptoms:

Chest pain
Difficulty in breathing
Dizziness or confusion
Severe weakness or fatigue
High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
Dry mouth or decreased urination
Bluish lips or face
Worsening chronic conditions

In older adults, sudden confusion, low oxygen levels (if monitored), or new-onset delirium may also indicate serious flu complications.

Why older adults are at higher risk?

Older adults are more vulnerable to the flu due to several factors. As people age, their immune system becomes weak, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. Many seniors also suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory problems, which may intensify flu symptoms and lead to further complications. Moreover, older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and may not show typical flu symptoms, making early detection and treatment difficult. These factors contribute to the increased danger and challenge to manage for the elderly.

How does the flu spread?

The flu primarily spreads through droplets that land in the air or on surfaces when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or transferred to the body through contact with contaminated hands. The flu can also spread through direct contact, such as shaking hands with an infected individual or touching surfaces they have touched, including phones or doorknobs. It is extremely contagious, especially during the early stages of illness.

Also read: How do you survive cold and flu season?

What are the complications of the flu in the elderly?

The flu can lead to several serious complications in the elderly, including:

Pneumonia
Dehydration
Heart problems
Worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
Bacterial infections such as bronchitis Sepsis

Also read: Potential side effects of the flu shot and how to deal with them

Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19? Common symptoms

Prevention

Flu, colds, and COVID-19 all have similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish. While all three are caused by viruses, their severity, onset, and duration vary. Understanding the fundamental differences can help determine the most effective treatment and preventative strategy.

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

While symptoms may overlap, flu usually appears rapidly with fever and body aches, colds are milder with a gradual start, and COVID-19 frequently causes loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath. If you're unsure, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and care.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

In Australia, everyone aged 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccination. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) offers free flu vaccines to high-risk groups:

Children aged 6 months to under 5 years: Young children are more likely to face serious complications from the flu.
Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people aged 6 months and above: This demographic is at a heightened risk of flu-related complications.
Pregnant women at any stage of their pregnancy: Vaccination protects both the mother and the developing baby.
Individuals aged 65 years and older: Older adults have a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
People aged 6 months and up with certain health conditions: This includes those with chronic respiratory issues, heart disease, diabetes, chronic neurological conditions, compromised immune systems, and other specified chronic illnesses.

It is advisable to get the flu vaccine in April to ensure protection throughout the peak flu season, generally occurring from June to September in most regions of Australia.

What can you do if you get the flu?

If you have the flu, follow these steps for recovery:

Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated: Ensure sufficient sleep and drink fluids like water, herbal teas, and broth to maintain hydration.
Utilise home remedies: Gargling with warm salt water, steam inhalation, and honey can provide relief for a sore throat and cough.
Limit contact with others: Remain at home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes down without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Consider antiviral drugs: If taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, antiviral medications may lessen severity.
Consult a doctor through telehealth: If your symptoms worsen or you are at increased risk for complications, seek medical advice online or in person.

The majority of flu cases can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Home remedies such as steam inhalation and saltwater gargles can help alleviate symptoms. To prevent spreading the virus, remain home until your fever resolves. Individuals at high risk should think about antiviral treatment and seek medical advice if symptoms get worse. Telehealth services can offer quick direction when necessary.

How can Hola Health help with flu in older adults?

Hola Health offers several ways to support older adults during flu season, helping them stay safe and recover faster:

24/7 access to online doctors: Older adults can speak to an Australian-registered doctor anytime via telehealth.
Medical certificates: For those who need time off from work or caregiving duties, Hola Health can issue valid medical certificate online for work or school quickly.
Online scripts Australia: If diagnosed early, doctors may prescribe medication which are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Ongoing doctor referrals: Telehealth doctors can issue a referral for specialists, pathology referrals or radiology referrals can be arranged if symptoms worsen or complications arise.

The flu may be more dangerous for older adults, but with proper precautions, it doesn’t have to be a major concern. Keep up with vaccinations, practice proper hygiene, and listen to your body. By staying alert, seniors can easily manage flu season and prevent complications.

Reference

Influenza - reference link

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