Sometimes, colds and flu can lead to complications in seniors, such as secondary infections of the sinuses (sinusitis) or lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia). They also can result in worsening of underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. When should you see your doctor?

If you are at high risk for complications from the flu. This includes:

If you are age 65 or older
If you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer or HIV

If you have any “red flag” symptoms. These require urgent medical attention. Call your doctor, go to the urgent care center or head straight for the emergency room if it’s after hours. In older adults, red flags include:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
High or prolonged fever
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Severe or prolonged vomiting
Fainting or near-fainting

Source: UCLA Health at University of California, Los Angeles

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t’s almost that time of year again. Time to think about getting your annual flu shot, of course. (The vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, and if you do get the virus, it will likely be a milder case.) It’s also time for another September task: preparing your family’s medicine cabinet for the winter months ahead.

Cough & ColdGuest UserAugust 15, 2018