Important Information for the Elderly: Allergies or a Cold?

With spring just beginning, it’s important for caregivers to learn how to discern between spring allergies and a cold. Why? This is important for a couple of reasons. The first reason is to be able to provide the most appropriate treatment. Additionally, colds can have different and more serious side effects for the elderly. As your elderly loved one makes their way through that box of tissues, take a minute to make sure it’s not a cold.

Here are some ways to determine if they are suffering from allergies or a cold:

1. Does your loved one have a fever?
Yes – Cold
No – Allergies

2. Are they achy?
Yes – Cold
No – Allergies

3. How long have they felt sick?
3-15 Days – Cold
Weeks – Allergies

4. Do they have a bad cough?
No – Allergies
Yes – Cold

5. Are their eyes watery and/or itchy?
Yes – Allergies
No -- Cold

If you believe that your elderly loved one has a cold, some rest, over the counter medication as recommended by their doctor, and time are the best treatment options. If you believe your elderly loved one is suffering from spring time allergies, over the counter allergy medication can help alleviate some of these symptoms, but be sure to always consult with your loved one’s physician before giving them any medications.

Here are some more web resources to help you determine whether or not your loved one is suffering from a cold or seasonal allergies:

WebMD: Is It a Common Cold or Allergies? 

Mayo Clinic: Cold or Allergy: Which Is It? 

ABC: Cold or Allergies: How To Tell