Older adults and those with chronic diseases are more likely to have problems when the flu season hits. It can often lead to a hospital stay, and sometimes it can be fatal. It has been recognized that people 65 years and older are at a much greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because their immune defences become weaker as they age. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease. In recent years, it has been estimated that between 71 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older and between 54 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. So influenza is often quite serious for people 65 and older. Knowing how to treat influenza for older adults is essential to everyone so here are a few tips.

Antiviral Flu Drugs

In many cases, a doctor would prescribe antiviral medicines to diminish the duration and symptoms of the flu. Though they may have benefits if taken during later stages of the flu, it works best when taken within 48 hours of your first symptoms. There are side effects, so make sure you talk about them with your doctor if you want to use antiviral flu drugs for your elder loved one’s treatment.

Runny Noses & Itchy, Watery Eyes

Antihistamines aim to relieve the sneezing, itching, and watering eyes that may accompany the flu. OTC antihistamines tend to make people drowsy, which is the opposite effect of decongestants. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the effects of any interaction an OTC drug may have with other drugs you may be taking.

Nasal or Sinus Congestion

A decongestant is helpful in reducing the swelling within the nasal passageways and come in nasal spray or oral forms. When using a nasal spray, it should not be used for more than a few days. If nasal sprays are used for an extended period of time and then stopped, the symptoms may re-emerge. If you have high blood pressure and need a decongestant, be sure to talk to your doctor about safe options. Some decongestants may have a negative reaction with some blood pressure medications

Seek Medical Advice Quickly

If you develop flu symptoms, you might need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs. It is recommended that antiviral drugs be used as early as possible to treat flu in people who are very sick with flu (for example, people who are in the hospital), and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people 65 and older. Benefit is greatest if treatment is started within the first 2 days of illness.

For most healthy people, the flu means a week or so of discomfort. For some older people, especially those with other health conditions, the risk is higher. Flu complications in older adults include bronchitis and pneumonia, which may need hospital treatment, so be sure to take care of yourself and those around you.