Is it a Respiratory Infection? Important Symptoms to Look For

With the introduction of COVID-19 to our vocabulary, most of us are familiar with the symptoms of respiratory problems. It can be hard to know sometimes, though, if symptoms are due to a respiratory infection, an existing health condition, or something else altogether. Especially with the ongoing pandemic, it is important to learn how to identify a respiratory infection, and when to seek medical care.

For seniors, respiratory infections can be a greater threat. This is due to changes in lung function with aging, underlying chronic medical conditions, and a weaker immune system in older adults. 1

What causes respiratory infections in seniors?

There are a few common causes of respiratory infections in seniors. The risk of catching one of these infections can increase especially for seniors living in group settings. The most common causes are:

COVID-19
Influenza (flu)
RSV
Pneumonia

It’s helpful to understand each one in more detail and the symptoms you might see.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted this highly contagious viral infection to the top of the list of causes of respiratory infections. Studies have shown that people hospitalized with COVID-19 are sicker than those with the flu.2 And adults aged 65 and older account for 74% of all COVID-19 deaths. 3

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
Cough
Sore throat
Fever and/or chills
Headache
Body or muscle aches
Fatigue
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stuffy or runny nose
Loss of taste or smell

Influenza

A common viral illness, influenza (also called the flu), like COVID-19, can have serious implications for adults 65 and older. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year, adults in this age group account for 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations and 70-85% of flu-related deaths.4 Although the flu does not affect only the respiratory system, it can lead to respiratory complications like pneumonia.

Symptoms of influenza include:

Fever and/or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue
Vomiting or diarrhea (less common in adults)

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, affects the airway and lungs. Each year, 177,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV, and 14,000 die. 5 People 65 and older who have heart and lung conditions are at even greater risk of complications.

This common virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as:

Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Sore throat
Fatigue
Fever

If RSV becomes severe, it can lead to pneumonia. It can also worsen existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF).

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (called alveoli) in the lungs. It can be caused by a virus, such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. Pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria or fungi.

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

Fever
Cough (productive)
Confusion (more common in the elderly)
Shortness of breath and/or rapid breathing
Chills
Sweating
Muscle aches
Rapid heartbeat
Decreased appetite
Lips and/or fingernails turning blue
Chest pain
Weakness

A serious complication of respiratory infections: ARDS

Any of the above respiratory infections can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS. As with other respiratory illnesses, age is a risk factor for developing ARDS. It also increases the risk of death, an outcome in 30-50% of people with the condition.6

In ARDS, the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid. The body’s oxygen level becomes very low because of how this affects the lungs. This condition can take days to develop or it can happen very quickly. ARDS is a medical emergency. For most people, mechanical ventilation (where a machine is breathing for someone) is needed to treat ARDS.

If someone is sick with another respiratory infection, and their symptoms worsen, this can sometimes be a sign of ARDS. Symptoms include:

Severe shortness of breath
Blue lips and/or fingernails
Low blood oxygen levels
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Confusion
Severe fatigue
Low blood pressure
Fever

How do I know when to call the doctor or 911?

If you aren’t sure a respiratory illness is an emergency, it’s always best to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s better to find out that nothing serious is happening than to overlook a life-threatening problem. This is true whether symptoms are caused by an infection or another medical problem.

A doctor should address any respiratory illness for seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as congestive heart failure or COPD. If the symptoms are mild, such as a stuffy or runny nose and mild cough, you can call your doctor and ask for their recommendations. They may recommend treatment at home, or advise an office visit for further testing. Some infections like the flu or COVID-19 can be treated with prescription antiviral medication, but only if it’s in the first few days of the infection.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t wait, call 911:

Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Confusion or decreased responsiveness
Blue lips or fingernails
Chest pain
Low blood oxygen levels (the CDC recommends treatment below 90% 7)
Rapid heartbeat

How can I prevent respiratory infections?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been well-versed in the best ways to prevent the COVID-19 virus. The same rules apply to other respiratory infections as well. These include:

Wash your hands frequently
Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands
Stay at least 6 feet away from others who are sick
Don’t share items like drinks or utensils, especially if you know someone is sick
Clean frequently used surfaces with disinfectant
Avoid large crowds
Wear a mask as recommended by your local health department or doctor
Stay up to date on vaccines recommended by your doctor, including the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines

Some final thoughts on respiratory infections

There has been increased discussion since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic about the safety benefits of staying at home. This can be helpful in addition to the above preventative steps, especially during times of increased community infections. More than ever, services are available to seniors in their homes and remotely, allowing them to remain in their own homes longer.

Most seniors- as many as 90% in one survey- would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. 8 This is another way to reduce the risk of exposure to serious infections. It may be easier in your home to avoid others who are sick than in a group living situation.

If living alone is a challenge and you or a loved one need help with daily activities and care, an in-home caregiver can help you maintain as much independence as possible. For more information on expert caregivers through Caresify’s home care services, you can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

Providing personalized in-home care to seniors