Older Adults can have Different COVID-19 Symptoms

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Older residents are at a higher risk of more serious illness and death from COVID-19. Their symptoms can be different than symptoms for younger people. These symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of smell and/or taste, confusion, sore throat, or runny nose. Infected older residents may also act differently than normal. They could require more sleep, stop walking, lose orientation, or fall.

If you recognize any of the previously mentioned signs or symptoms, call your healthcare provider and ask about COVID-19 testing or dial 2-1-1 United Way of the Plains for no cost testing at the Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD).

As we continue to monitor and control the spread of COVID-19 in Sedgwick County, and especially in our long-term care facilities, SCHD will reach out to facility officials if there is a positive COVID-19 case at their site. SCHD will offer to test all residents and all staff at no cost to determine the spread of COVID-19 in the facility. At this time, SCHD has identified three long-term care clusters linked to 121 cases (92 residents, 29 staff) with 15 deaths and 17 recoveries.

If a case is identified in a long-term care facility, SCHD recommends the facility isolate any symptomatic people away from other residents and continually monitor all residents and staff for symptoms. The facility should not allow visitors and should cancel any group activities. Sedgwick County will work with the facility to ensure all close contacts are identified and are properly quarantined or isolated.

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About Sedgwick County

The mission of Sedgwick County is to cultivate a healthy, safe, and welcoming community through exceptional public services, effective partnerships, and dedicated employees. Named for Civil War hero, Major General John Sedgwick of the Union Army, Sedgwick County celebrates its 150^th anniversary in 2020. The 2020 Adopted Budget of $457.4 million focuses resources on health and human services, public safety, and general government services.