Similar symptoms can be difficult to discern and treat during respiratory virus season
Washington, D.C. (November 17, 2025)—Respiratory viruses like the common cold, influenza (flu), and COVID-19, are especially common during the fall and winter months. To help older adults and their families differentiate between these common illnesses, the Alliance for Aging Research released a new educational film, “Respiratory Viruses: Often More Than a Sniffle.”
“While these illnesses often start with similar symptoms, like a cough, fever, sore throat, or runny nose, they aren’t all the same,” said Katrin Werner-Perez, Director of Health Programs for the Alliance for Aging Research. “And understanding the differences can help you protect yourself and those around you.”
Whether you are managing your own symptoms or caring for a loved one, being informed can make all the difference. Knowing what’s going around – and what steps to take – can help everyone, especially older adults, to stay healthy, avoid unnecessary complications, and get back to the things they enjoy.
Learn more about the importance of vaccination for older adults at AgingResearch.org/OurBestShot.
The Alliance for Aging Research believes advances in research help people live longer, happier, more productive lives and reduce healthcare costs over the long term. For nearly 40 years, the Alliance has guided efforts to substantially increase funding and focus for aging at the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration; built influential coalitions to guide groundbreaking regulatory improvements for age-related diseases; and created award-winning, high-impact educational materials to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. Learn more about the Alliance at www.agingresearch.org.