Symptoms of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can range in severity and are likely to appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. In some cases, older adults may develop symptoms not seen in others, or symptoms may take longer to develop.
For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear
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In this article, we describe symptoms of COVID-19 in older adults and when to seek emergency care.
All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on COVID-19.

Also, as the
Some older adults may develop atypical symptoms or take longer to develop symptoms.
When taking the temperature of someone aged 65 or over, the following can indicate an infection:
- a single reading of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
- multiple readings higher than 99°F (37.2°C)
- a rise of more than 2°F (1.1°C) above a person’s typical temperature
According to one
- a sore throat
- delirium
- unexplained hypoxia — low levels of oxygen in the blood
- an increased heart rate
- rapid breathing
Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a cough
- a fever
- chills
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- a new loss of taste or smell
- congestion or a runny nose
- a headache
- fatigue
- muscle or body aches
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
For carers
People with dementia may not be able to communicate that they are feeling unwell.
However, increased confusion can be a sign that a person with dementia is ill, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Learn more about caring for someone with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic here.
If an older person experiences COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to contact a healthcare provider for advice.
The best treatment may involve rest, over-the-counter medications, and staying hydrated.
If possible, follow the
- staying at home, except when receiving medical care
- monitoring the symptoms
- limiting contact with others
- wearing a cloth face covering
- washing the hands often
It can also help to create a care plan. This should include clear information about:
- health conditions
- medications
- healthcare providers
- emergency contacts
- end-of-life care preferences
In nursing homes and long-term care facilities
For older adults living in these facilities, the
- carefully following all instructions about preventing infection
- notifying staff of any symptoms
- asking staff about the specific safety precautions, such as whether and how they are limiting visitors
If a caregiver suspects that someone has COVID-19, they may:
- move the person into a private room with a private bathroom
- wear added personal protective equipment while providing care
- transfer the person to an appropriate facility if they cannot provide adequate care
Older adults and people with preexisting medical conditions appear to be
Therefore, it is important for anyone concerned about possible exposure to the virus to speak with a healthcare provider. Also, it is crucial for anyone who experiences any of the common symptoms of COVID-19 to let a doctor know.
Seek emergency care if any of the following occur, the
- a color change in the lips or face — which may appear bluish in people with lighter skin or whitish or grayish in people with darker skin
- an inability to wake up or stay awake
- new confusion
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- trouble breathing
However, these are not all of the signs that a person needs urgent attention — anyone who has severe or concerning symptoms should receive emergency medical care.
To avoid contracting SARS-CoV-2, follow the
- washing the hands often, for at least 20 seconds at a time, with soap and water
- using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if washing the hands is not possible
- avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- staying away from people with COVID-19
- keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people
- covering the mouth and nose around others, unless it causes difficulty breathing
- covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then discarding it
- cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- being aware of any symptoms
- if symptoms develop, checking for a fever and notifying a healthcare provider
Learn the most effective hand washing technique here.
Find out how to make cloth face coverings here.
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Older adults should speak with a healthcare provider to ensure that vaccinations and other preventive measures are up to date.
Anyone receiving treatment for an ongoing condition should try to continue their regular treatment plan and consult a doctor before changing it.
Also, try to have at least a
Do not hesitate to ask a healthcare provider about any concerns regarding an underly conditions. Also, if any COVID-19 symptoms develop, contact a healthcare provider right away.
Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals will still supply care, but they may do so differently or postpone some appointments.
Anyone who needs urgent care — regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms — should contact emergency services. They have measures in place to prevent the possible transmission of the virus.
Anyone without a designated doctor should contact their nearest or preferred local community health center or health department.
The symptoms of COVID-19 in older adults are largely the same as those in others. However, older adults can develop different symptoms or take
Also, because the regular body temperature of some older adults is lower, a fever may involve a single reading of 100°F (37.8°C) or multiple readings higher than 99°F (37.2°C).
Anyone who develops severe or concerning symptoms should call 911 or otherwise seek immediate medical attention.
If an older person if receiving treatment for an existing condition, they should continue their treatment plan. Consult a doctor before making any changes.
As always, taking precautionary steps — such as frequently washing the hand, wearing a cloth face covering, and physical distancing — is crucial.