Infectious disease. Update on treatment of pneumonia, influenza, and urinary tract infections.
Older persons are at increased risk for infection because of decreased physiologic reserves, acute and chronic comorbidities, time spent in hospitals or nursing homes, and high exposure to invasive procedures in those settings. Management of infection in older persons is complicated by several factors, including microbial resistance and the infrequency or absence of common infection signs and symptoms. Among the most common infections in older populations are community-acquired pneumonia, influenza, and urinary tract infection. Vigilance, early diagnosis, and strategic use of antibacterial or antiviral agents are key to effective patient management.
Wallach
F R
FR
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, USA.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014611:Vaccination