Pneumonia in Older Adults

Often, there's no fever. Pneumonia can hide in older adults.

Today, pneumonia in older adults. Let's learn the hidden signs.

So what is pneumonia? It's an infection in your lungs. The tiny air sacs fill up with fluid. That makes it harder for oxygen to reach your blood. In older adults, it can be serious — and it often looks different than you'd expect.

Here's the key. In older adults, pneumonia can look very different. You may have no fever at all.

Sign one. New or worse confusion. Your loved one may act confused, or just not like themselves. In an older adult, this can be the only sign of pneumonia.

Sign two. Sudden weakness, a fall, or fast breathing. A fall with no clear cause, or breathing faster than usual, can be a warning. So can a sudden loss of energy.

Sign three. A new cough and chest pain. The cough may bring up green, yellow, or rusty mucus. Breathing may hurt your chest. You may also lose your appetite.

Remember this. Older adults often don't get a fever with pneumonia — do not wait for one. New confusion, fast breathing, or a cough with weakness means call your provider today.

Eating safely matters too. Sit fully upright when you eat and drink. Take small bites and small sips, and stay sitting up after meals. If you were given thickened liquids, follow that plan.

You can lower your risk. Ask your provider about the pneumonia, flu, and COVID vaccines. Wash your hands often. Take good care of your mouth. And please, don't smoke.

Getting better takes time. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and finish all of your antibiotics — even when you feel better.

Some signs are an emergency. Trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, or chest pain — call 911.

Before we finish — can you name the three signs? Confusion. Weakness or falls. Cough with chest pain.

Many pneumonias start as flu or COVID. Next — the shots and habits that lower your risk. Watch next.