Flu in Older Adults

Older adults and people with chronic diseases are at the greatest risk of problems associated with the flu. Because older adults have reduced cough and gag reflexes, they often have increased respiratory problems associated with flu. In addition, older adults have weakened immune systems, which makes it harder for their bodies to fight flu complications such as pneumonia.

Of all the age groups, individuals older than age 84 have the highest risk of dying from flu complications; those older than age 74 face the second highest risk of flu complications. Children age 4 and younger have the third highest risk of problems with flu.

How can older adults tell if they have the flu?

The symptoms of flu in older adults are pretty much the same as in other age groups and may include:

• fever (usual)
• headache (common)
• tiredness and fatigue (can last 2 or 3 weeks)
• extreme exhaustion (usual at the start of flu symptoms)
• general aches and pain (often severe)
• chest discomfort, cough (common and can become severe)
• sore throat (sometimes)
• runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Symptoms: What You Might Feel.

Do older adults get gastrointestinal problems with the flu?

Sometimes stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may occur with the flu. But these gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the flu are more commonly seen in children.

What flu complications should older adults watch for?

Complications of flu for older adults may include the following:

• pneumonia
• dehydration
• worsening of chronic medical conditions, including lung conditions such as asthma and emphysema and heart disease

It's important to see your doctor immediately if you have any of these flu complications. The sooner you start medical treatment, the faster it can work to treat the more serious symptoms.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Complications.

How can older adults prevent getting the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Because the flu viruses change each year, older adults need to get a flu shot each year.

A flu shot reduces hospitalization by about 70% and death by about 85% among older adults who do not live in nursing homes, according to the National Institute on Aging. Among nursing home residents, the flu shot does the following:

• reduces the risk of hospitalization by about 50%
• reduces the risk of pneumonia by about 60%
• reduces the risk of death by 75% to 80%

The CDC recommends that older adults and senior citizens also get the pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent bacterial pneumonia in older adults. This vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu shot.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Shot: Influenza Vaccine.