058 – Avoiding Missed Flu in Older Adults

Dr. K explains why influenza is easily missed in older adults and what families can do, to help their older loved ones get promptly diagnosed and treated before it's too late. She covers why flu symptoms are often different in aging people, the latest CDC recommendations, what to know about flu tests and treatment, and much more.

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In This Episode:

Dr. K explains why influenza is easily missed in older adults and what families can do, to help their older loved ones get diagnosed and treated before it’s too late. She covers:

Recently published research finding that hospitalized older adults often aren’t tested for the flu virus

Why it’s important to not miss the flu in older adults

The usual symptoms of “influenza-like illness”

Common symptoms of influenza in older adults

Why older adults may not show typical influenza symptoms

What the CDC currently recommends, regarding influenza diagnosis and treatment

What to do, if an older person falls ill during influenza season

Related episode: 

050 – Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know

Related Resources:

Why the Flu is Often Missed in Older Adults (And What to Do About This)

Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do

Underdiagnosis of influenza virus infection in hospitalized older adults

10 Things to Know About Delirium

Aging of the Immune System. Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

CDC: Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity and Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Influenza (Dec 2017)

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