Epidemiology of community- and nursing home-acquired pneumonia in older adults.
Pneumococcus remains the most important cause of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. Alcoholism, bronchial asthma, immunosuppression, lung disease, heart disease, institutionalization and increasing age are important risk factors. There is a reduced prevalence of nonrespiratory symptoms in this age group. Advanced age and comorbidity are important prognostic factors. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination remain the key factors for prevention.
Loeb
Mark
M
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. loebm@mcmaster.ca
D000368:Aged; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence