Knowing Symptoms of the Flu
Knowing the symptoms that accompany a cold or the flu during the winter is one way for seniors to stay healthier. If the flu is detected early on, seniors may be able to avoid other complications that could arise. The following list contains some information of various symptoms that can indicate whether a senior has a cold or the flu.
1. Flu symptoms will include fever, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches and cough. Colds usually include a stuffy or runny nose.
2. There are different strains of the flu and seniors need to be aware of these as well. The swine flu shares many symptoms with the regular flu but patients will also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Most people will not develop a fever when they have a cold. With the flu, patients will typically run a fever between 100-102.
4. The flu will cause a lot of fatigue and will last for many weeks. Seniors with a weak immune system or chronic disease could battle the flu for more than a month.
5. Headaches are not reliable indicators of the flu or a cold.
6. Seniors with lung issues need to be cautious of getting the flu because it could turn into pneumonia.
7. A sore throat can be a symptom of colds and the flu, so seniors need to make note of other symptoms they have to determine what they have.
Source: WebMD
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
