title: Infections in the elderly.
abstract: Weakness, falls, incontinence or altered mental states may signal infection in the elderly, while fever may be absent. Bacteria are the most likely cause, and the most common sites are the respiratory system, the urinary tract and the soft tissues. Joint infections and meningitis must be remembered, as must bacterial endocarditis. Herpes zoster may be ameliorated by early treatment with acyclovir. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended, and amantadine may protect against influenza A (not B) during outbreaks. A single pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for those with chronic cardiopulmonary disease or alcoholism or for those who are immunosuppressed. All major hospitals and large nursing homes have committees which can give advice on infection control.
authors.affiliation: Aged and Extended Care Department, Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, SA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Henschke
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy