Though temperatures may be fluctuating throughout Bucks County, it may come as a surprise that cold and flu season still forges on. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), flu season runs from October through May,1 but peak activity actually occurs between December and February.2 During this time of year, the prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus tends to increase,3 bringing with them a heightened risk of infection for seniors especially. As an older adult, the immune system often becomes less effective at fighting off infections, making it crucial to be vigilant and proactive in protecting one’s physical and overall wellness.
Grace Inspired Living Communities aspire to an environment of happy and healthy residents, which includes implementing effective strategies to protect against illnesses. Be that as it may, the good fight starts on the individual level—taking action in your daily life can help you stay healthy during this season. Our Healthcare team recommends a three-fold approach: Understanding signs of possible infection in advance, recognizing the symptoms at their onset and applying preventative measures. Read on for a breakdown of how to put these practices into place.
Signs & Symptoms of Infection
When referring to health care, “signs” of infection are typically observable by others, including physicians, while “symptoms” are solely felt by the affected individual.4 However, older adults (65+) may exhibit and/or experience a cold or flu differently; signs may be more subtle and, unfortunately, more easily overlooked by loved ones and caregivers as a result. Key indicators (either/or) of infection include:
Cough: A new onset of cough can signal budding respiratory issues. The flu often presents with a dry, sometimes heavy cough, while a cold is more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and a “wet,” hacking cough.5
Fever: While a fever over 100° F is a common sign, older adults may not always present with one as average body temperatures in seniors tend to run slightly lower. Influenza is often accompanied by high fever that lasts for 3-4 days or more,6 multiple temperature readings above 99° F, and/or a rise in temperature >2° F above the individual’s normal body temperature.7
Muscle Aches & Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness can also indicate an underlying infection onset. Pronounced muscle aches, particularly in the lower back, and extreme fatigue that can last up to three weeks are both hallmarks of the flu.6
Confusion or Dizziness: Changes in cognition or mental status can be a critical sign of illness in older adults.
Worsening of Chronic Conditions: Symptoms like increased shortness of breath in those with COPD or heart conditions may signal an infection.
“Do I Have the Flu, or just a Common Cold?”
Differentiating between influenza and a sinus infection in seniors can be challenging due to the overlapping of symptoms.8 However, there are several key factors that can help seniors distinguish between these two illnesses:
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- Onset & Severity: While both are respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses, and flu symptoms typically have a more sudden onset and are more severe.9
- Duration: While cold symptoms typically resolve within a week, flu symptoms can persist for up to two weeks or longer.6
- Additional Symptoms: The flu may headaches, chills and chest tightness or discomfort; colds are more likely to cause a sore throat.5
- Complications: More likely with the flu, especially for older adults (e.g., pneumonia, bacterial infections or an exacerbation of existing, chronic conditions).10
| Factor or Symptom | Common Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |
| Fever | Rare or Low-grade | Common (often high) |
| Cough | Mild | Heavy |
| Fatigue | Mild to Moderate | Extreme |
| Muscle Aches | Uncommon | Pronounced |
| Duration | 7-10 days | 1-2 weeks |
Recognizing signs early is vital and, if symptoms should arise, contacting a healthcare provider promptly can lead to timely intervention and treatment.
Action & Prevention
Now that you understand the signs displayed by others to avoid contracting infection and can also recognize the symptoms if you do (accidents happen), you are ready to arm yourself with proactive, actionable measures to protect again cold and flu season. Here are health officials’ essential recommendations:
1. Get Vaccinated: A primary defense against severe viral illnesses like the flu is yearly vaccinations.3 There is an annual solution designed specifically for adults age 65+ of a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine.8 These are highly recommended by the CDC, and reduce the risk of both infection and complications. It’s not too late to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so this season!
Did You Know? Beginning in early fall, Grace Inspired Living holds internal vaccine clinics on campus at both our continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), Lutheran Community at Telford and The Community at Rockhill, beginning in early fall. These occur as separate sessions for residents and staff and are divided by vaccine type as well (influenza followed by coronavirus roughly a month later).
2. Seek Appropriate Care: Know when to seek medical attention. If you experience any of the severe symptoms identified above, have difficulty breathing or if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional promptly. The dedicated clinical staff on site at Rockhill and Telford are equipped to help residents evaluate symptoms and create a recovery plan.
3. Practice Good Hygiene:
○ Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public space or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Soap + water is more effective than hand sanitizer again norovirus, which spreads through contaminated food, water or surfaces and can survive there for even weeks at a time.3
○ Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap is not available.
○ Avoid touching your face, including and especially the eyes, nose and mouth, to prevent the introduction of viruses into your body.
4. Maintain Clean Surfaces: Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones to minimize the spread of germs.
5. Avoid Crowded Places: Limit exposure to large gatherings where viruses are more likely to spread. Social distancing—like renting that movie through a streaming subscription to watch at home instead of going to a screening—is also advisable during this time of year, especially by and for our senior community and individuals who are immunocompromised in any way.3 Tina Hangey, Infection Control Nurse for Grace Inspired Living, easily relates this idea directly to our environment:
One phrase I find myself using a lot with our residents’ families during cold and flu season is that ‘caring may mean not visiting.’ Meaning, if you have carved out time to visit your relative at one of our campuses but aren’t feeling well, truly, the most loving thing you can do (for anyone, really) is to not visit them until you are feeling better.”
6. Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use tissues or the elbow to cover coughs and sneezes, disposing of tissues immediately afterward. Masking can help stop an infection in its tracks, since they are spread mainly through respiratory droplets expelled when people exhale, cough, talk or sneeze.3
7. Strengthen Your Immune System: A robust immune system can help your body fend off infections.
○ Stay Hydrated: Drink more water and add an occasional sports drink or mix-in that replenishes electrolytes.
○ Balanced Diet: Good nutrition supports the immune system. Incorporate a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods into your meals. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and selenium play significant roles in immune health.11
○ Stay Active: Regular physical activity can enhance immune function. Simple exercises like walking or stretching are beneficial.
○ Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get sufficient rest each night is crucial to support overall health and a strong immune response and recovery.12 (Hint: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night.)
8. Stay Informed & Prepared: Keep apprised of current health information, especially as it pertains to your age group, and have necessary supplies already on hand. Think, better safe than sorry!
○ Stay Updated: Follow reputable sources for updates on circulating viruses and recommended precautions.
○ Prepare Your Medicine Cabinet: Stock up on essentials such as thermometers, over-the-counter medications and other supplies to manage symptoms if you become ill.13
At Grace Inspired Living, part of our mission is to foster healthy, comfortable communities. By following these guidelines, our seniors can significantly reduce their risk during the cold and flu season and stop the spread of illness. Vigilance combined with healthy habits will help ensure that this season continues to remain enjoyable for everyone in our community.
Let’s keep our residents healthy and thriving!
References
- “Influenza (flu).” Mayo Clinic. January 28, 2025.
- “Flu Season.“ Center for Disease Control (CDC). October 28, 2024.
- “How Older Adults Can Survive the ‘Quad-emic.’” AARP. January 24, 2025.
- “Are Symptoms and Signs the Same?” GoodRx. November 22, 2021.
- “Cold versus flu symptoms: How to spot the difference.” Health Partners. Michael Stiffman, MD.
- “What is the difference between cold and flu?” Medical News Today. September 29, 2020.
- “Flu and Older Adults.” National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health (NIH). June 14, 2022.
- “A Common-Sense Guide to the Common Cold for Older Adults.” National Council on Aging (NCOA). September 11, 2024.
- “Cold Versus Flu.” Center for Disease Control (CDC). August 8, 2024.
- “The Difference Between the Flu And a Cold.” Premier Health. October 21, 2024.
- “These 7 Supplements Could Help You Fend Off a Seasonal Cold, Experts Say.” Health.com. Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD. September 28, 2023.
- “What to Know About Sleeping When You’re Sick.” Healthline. Erica Hersh. March 10, 2020.
- “8 Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold and Flu Season.” AARP. October 18, 2024.
