Why This Flu, COVID, and RSV Season Will Be Hard on Grandparents: What Can be Done  

As fall ends and winter kicks off, health ‘experts are indicating that this year’s COVID-19, and RSV season could be more active for older adults. New federal vaccine policy changes and shifting CDC recommendations may lead to lower vaccinations, increasing the risk of serious illness and hospitalizations. 

Older adults face unique challenges when it comes to infectious diseases. Their immune systems are weaker, and common signs of illness like fever may show up differently or be overlooked. Research shows that even a slight temperature increase in older individuals can signal an infection, yet symptoms like chills or sweating may be absent. 

Early detection begins with a simple habit of regular temperature checks. A twice-daily routine once in the morning and again in the evening will help establish a baseline so caregivers can spot any changes before they escalate. This small practice offers peace of mind and gives caregivers and family members a clear sense of what’s normal and when something might be wrong. 

Accurate monitoring depends on having the right tools like Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometers, such as the TempoTherm or TAT-2000C. They offer fast, clinically accurate readings with an easy, gentle swipe across the forehead. The non-invasive design is easy to use, especially for individuals with cognitive or physical limitations, and trusted by doctors and nurses nationwide. 

As the aging population grows, keeping them healthy will require good habits, better tools, and a human-centered approach to care. Technology like Exergen’s will help ease the burden on caregivers and support the shift toward preventive, at-home health monitoring. 

This season, staying vigilant means more than masking up or handwashing; it means listening closely to what the body is saying. For grandparents and all older adults, a reliable thermometer isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline. 

Sources:  

• Becker’s Hospital Review, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/uncertainty-on-covid-vaccine-access-looms-ahead-of-virus-season/ 

• CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/acip/vaccine-recommendations/index.html 

• Exergen International, https://international.exergen.com/blog/the-growing-challenge-of-an-aging-population-in-us-and-how-healthcare-can-keep-up/ 

• Exergen International, https://international.exergen.com/blog/recognizing-fever-in-older-adults-why-daily-temperature-checks-matter/ 

Exergen P/N 850562