Flu Season and Older Adults: What You Need to Know

As temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors, flu season brings an increased risk of respiratory illness. For older adults, influenza can be more serious than a few days of feeling unwell, potentially leading to complications, hospitalization and a longer recovery.

The good news is that there are practical steps we can take to reduce the risk. From the annual flu vaccine to everyday habits that help limit the spread of infection, a little preparation can make a significant difference. For seniors living independently and those within our retirement communities, understanding the risks and knowing how to respond are important parts of staying well through the winter months.

Why flu season deserves extra attention as we age.

If you’ve ever had flu, you’ll know that it can hit very hard and leave you feeling pretty lousy! It’s different from the common cold in its symptoms and presentation and adults over 65 are at a greater risk of serious complications, including hospitalization, particularly when they have underlying health conditions. Unlike a cold, which can be one of 200+ viruses, the flu is a specific virus (Influenza A or B) and it comes on more suddenly, often causing more severe fatigue and body aches. A cold will develop gradually, affect the upper respiratory system (runny or blocked nose, sinus area, sore throat) whereas flu will likely show within hours, often accompanied by a fever, which can last for several days. It’s also common for the flu to produce a dry, hacking cough, a sore chest and headaches and leave you bedbound for several days. If this happens, don’t fight the need to rest and keep sufficiently hydrated.

The importance of an annual flu vaccination

As we often hear ‘prevention is better than cure’ and that’s certainly true here, whether you’re living in your own home or a community setting. As a virus, neither a cold nor the flu can be improved with antibiotics. Instead, over the counter medications to reduce fever (acetaminophen) and pain/inflammation (ibuprofen) can help (check with your pharmacist or doctor first), but the best way to protect yourself is to have the annual vaccine. By doing so, you greatly reduce your risk of catching the flu, and if you do, the severity of your overall symptoms will be greatly reduced. While it’s not 100% infection proof because the virus mutates and our bodies need to build full immunity after the shot, large studies do show that the cases of hospitalization, severe reactions and chronic health flare ups are much, much less with immunization. You can check out the government of Canada’s vaccine recommendations and eligibility here.

Everyday habits that help reduce the spread of flu.

Here are some practical tips to help us all during flu season:

• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Handwashing is always the best, but use hand sanitizer as a back up.
• Sanitize main touching surfaces (light switches, door handles, taps) with a disinfectant like Lysol.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of it straight away.
• Keep indoor spaces well ventilated where possible.
• Avoid close contact with others when feeling unwell, and wear a mask if you have to be in a public area.
• Isolate yourself when sick and follow current public health guidance.
• Ask visitors who are unwell to postpone their visit.

Recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek help.

The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses and differ in their onset and intensity.

It’s important to understand that older adults may not always develop a fever, so a sudden change in energy, appetite or general condition can also warrant attention.

It’s prudent to contact a healthcare professional promptly if you suspect flu, particularly if you’re at higher risk. Prescribed antiviral treatments like Tamiflu can be helpful, but they must be started within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms. If so, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and typically shorten the duration of the illness by one to two days. Antiviral medications have no effect on a cold, Covid19 or bacterial infections however.

You must seek urgent medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, new confusion or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

How All Seniors Care supports flu prevention.

To make flu vaccination more accessible, we offer on-site clinics for residents, typically in late October or early November. We also reinforce the importance of regular hand hygiene among staff, residents, families and visitors, alongside enhanced cleaning and sanitization of shared spaces.

Our Executive Directors keep residents and families informed every step of the way, from flu clinic dates to any updates during the season, and every home follows public health guidance when respiratory illnesses circulate.

In the winter months, our emphasis is always on practical support and helping our residents maintain their health, independence and participation in daily life.

Many of our residences also offer onsite health services, so residents can see a practitioner without leaving home or braving the weather. 

Why winter is easier in a community.

Earlier we mentioned that older adults may not always run a fever with the flu, and that a change in energy or appetite can be the first sign something is wrong. Living alone, those early signs can easily go unnoticed. In our residences, someone notices. Our team knows each resident and what their normal looks like, so small changes are picked up quickly and acted on.

Winter in a retirement community also means:

• Daily check ins and caring staff on site around the clock.
• Nourishing meals prepared for you, with no grocery runs on icy roads.
• No shovelling or driving in snow and freezing rain.
• Company and activities every day, so the shorter, darker days never feel isolating.
• Health support close by including seasonal flu clinics right in the building.

Worried about a parent living alone this winter?

The colder months are often when families first notice that a loved one is struggling at home. A few signs worth watching for:

• Skipped meals, an empty fridge or noticeable weight loss
• A house that is colder or less tidy than usual
• Missed medications or appointments
• Going out less and seeing fewer people
• A recent fall, illness or hospital stay

If any of these sound familiar, it may be a good time to talk about options together. Our team is always happy to answer questions, with no pressure at all.

Stay with us for the winter.

Not ready for a permanent move? A short term respite or trial stay is a wonderful way to enjoy the comfort, meals and company of retirement living through the coldest months, and to see whether it feels like home. Ask your nearest residence about winter stays.

We all play a role in reducing the spread of respiratory illness, particularly among those at greater risk. Getting vaccinated, staying home when unwell and seeking medical advice when needed are simple but important steps that help protect our own health and the wellbeing of those around us.

Come see for yourself.

Thinking about the winter ahead for yourself or someone you love? Come see how our residents stay healthy, connected and cared for all season long. Join us for a Winter Wellness Lunch and Tour at the residence nearest you, and enjoy a complimentary lunch, meet our team and see our suites and amenities.