With extreme cold recently gripping much of the United States, it’s safe to say that we are still in winter. In addition to coping with winter weather hazards, older adults must also contend with influenza (flu) season, which typically starts in early October and can last until May.
New Flu Strain in 2026 Poses Challenges
This year’s flu season has had many health professionals on edge due to the latest flu variant, a strain called “subclade K.”
Experts note that while the new strain has not been classified as a “super flu,” it has mutated enough that it’s bypassing the population’s baseline immunity and leading to an increased number of flu infections. In addition, because subclade K wasn’t detected until after this year’s flu shot was already formulated, the current vaccine doesn’t directly combat the new strain.
As a result, flu season began earlier than usual, and infectious disease doctors across the country have observed a high rate of hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to flu cases.
Respiratory Illnesses that Affect Older Adults
In addition to the flu, emergency departments see patients with other well-known respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). There are also other respiratory diseases circulating that can be attributed to certain bacteria and viruses, such as strep, pertussis, “walking pneumonia,” various forms of human coronaviruses and parainfluenza viruses.
Upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold, sinus infections and sore throats affect the nose, sinuses and throat. Lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and pneumonia primarily affect the lungs.
Regardless of the type or root cause, patients still must contend with respiratory symptoms that can escalate into severe illness without proper treatment, especially as an older adult. Common symptoms of respiratory illnesses include fever, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, weakness, chest discomfort and cough. Many may even brush these off as common cold symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. However, a persistent fever, or a fever that goes away and comes back, should be evaluated immediately by a physician.
Vigilance is Key, Even When Warmer Weather Returns
Even once the cold wave has passed, seniors should keep up their vigilance against respiratory illnesses. Not only can flu season last well into the spring and require consistent precautions even in warmer weather, but seniors may also be left with weakened immune systems and aggravated health conditions if they’ve already contracted a respiratory illness like the flu this winter.
Emergency departments are seeing older patients who live by themselves come in after becoming seriously ill. “If somebody is not keeping an eye on them and they become sick, then no one is taking care of them. They could be lying in bed for two days getting very dehydrated and getting into trouble,” says one ER doctor at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. “There are also many patients with chronic diseases who develop the flu, and two or three days later they’re wiped out. It can make them very sick and ‘out of it’ to the point that they can’t stand, become dehydrated, and hospitalization becomes necessary to get them back on their feet.”
Adults aged 65 and older are considered at higher risk of developing serious complications from respiratory infections because as we age, our immune systems naturally weaken. Examples of serious complications include sinus and ear problems, pneumonia, worsened asthma and compromised organ health.
The flu can also seriously affect an older adult’s cardiovascular system and significantly increase their risk of having a cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke following infection. COVID-19 has been shown to particularly harm those living with diabetes by causing serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and sepsis.
How Caregivers Can Help Protect the Elderly from Respiratory Illnesses
Because of the potential for severe complications in our senior loved ones, respiratory illness and flu prevention measures are essential. The most effective strategies include:
- Get vaccinated. Getting a flu vaccine every year has been proven to be the most effective protection against getting the flu. Even if this year’s vaccine is not a perfect match against the current strain of the flu, it can still protect and help reduce the severity and duration of illness if flu is contracted.
- Stop the spread of germs. If you’re sick, stay home and away from others. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with tissues or a shirt sleeve instead of your hands. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and refrain from touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean hands and household surfaces thoroughly. Wash hands frequently and disinfect household surfaces often. Carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes with you when on the go.
- Strengthen your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious food.
- Consider wearing a mask when out in public. Masks could be helpful protection for seniors at high risk for complications, particularly if they are going to be in crowds or situations where people may be sick.
In-Home Caregiver Support for Respiratory Disease Prevention
Having companion care for seniors can be invaluable when it comes to staying healthy. Kadan Homecare’s highly trained and experienced caregivers support seniors outside of nursing homes by helping them prepare nutritious meals, monitoring them for troubling signs of illness and helping them get to the doctor when needed for evaluation and care. We also undergo enhanced training in preventing germ transmission, performing proper disinfecting procedures in the home, and maintaining good health practices as we serve our clients.
By “caring for families like only family can,” we are here to help our clients stay resilient and healthy despite all the respiratory illnesses on the rise. To learn more about Kadan’s award winning in-home care programs, please contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation by calling 770-396-8997 or emailing info@kadan.org.