Coughs and Colds in Older Adults: What You Should Know
Adult · Cough
It starts with a virus
Do you know?
Approximately 9 out of 10 respiratory infections are caused by viruses.
Most coughs and colds begin with a viral infection, making viruses the most common cause of respiratory illnesses.
What signs should you watch for?
Older adults may not always develop a high fever during an infection. Instead, watch for:
Early signs which may include:
When should you see a doctor?
Do not wait if you notice:
Early screening can help prevent serious complications.
How can you stay protected?
Although it is not possible to avoid every cold, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing one.
Most coughs and colds improve with rest and supportive care. However, older adults are at a higher risk of complications.
Recognizing warning signs early and seeking timely medical care can support a safer, smoother recovery.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is to help you understand about cough, cold, and allergy a little better — it's not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Every person is different, so please check with a healthcare professional for advice specific to you or your child, especially before starting any medication or if symptoms last more than a few days. If you're ever worried, don't wait — reach out to your doctor.References:
- Filipetto FA,et al. Patient knowledge and perception of upper respiratory infections, antibiotic indications and resistance. Patient preference and adherence. 2008 Feb 2:35-9.
- Shi T, et al. The etiological role of common respiratory viruses in acute respiratory infections in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of infectious diseases. 2020 Nov 1;222(Supplement_7):S563-9.
- Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;1:CD006207. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6.
- CDC. About common cold. [Internet] 2026 [Cited 2026 July 7]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
- CDC. Adult immunization schedule by age (addendum updated July 2, 2025). [Internet] 2025 [Cited 2026 July 7]. Available from: Adult Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated July 2, 2025)