Some of the most common infections found in the elderly and nursing homes
According to the AAFP, Academy of Family Physicians, 1/3 of deaths in seniors older than 65 result from infectious disease. It's crucial that nursing homes are well aware of these infectious diseases to help prevent the problem. Understanding the signs and symptoms can provide the elderly greater wellness.
Common infections
- Urinary Tract Bacterial Infections - Urinary tract infections, or urinary tract, are the most common bacterial infection in older adults, reports AAFP. The use of catheters or the presence of diabetes may increase the risk of urinary tracts in the elderly. Sudden changes in behavior, such as confusion or deterioration of dementia, or the onset of urinary incontinence, are common warning signs – discomfort and pain do not necessarily occur with the urinary tract in older people. If you suspect a UTI, a doctor may perform a urine test or other test to confirm the diagnosis, and then prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Caregivers should make sure that their loved ones drink a lot of water, as this can help prevent the urinary tract.
- Skin Infections - Skin and soft tissue infections are very common in older people. A number of special conditions and circumstances should be considered in the diagnosis and therapy. It is important to try to establish the causal organism, to exclude other cutaneous disorders and to identify precipitation factors. Treatment modalities include antiseptic agents, topical and systemic antibacterial, dressings and biotherapy. Skin infections with erythema, blisters, pustules, ulcers, or body folds are described in detail. Cellulite and infected ulcers are the most common cutaneous infections in the elderly. Precise and rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Appropriate antibacterial, antiseptic agents and dressings are needed, depending on the severity of the clinical presentation and resistance patterns. Laboratory tests, such as skin wipers, to allow the exact pathogen to take time and results can represent colonization rather than skin infection. Cellulitis must be clinically distinguished from erysipelas and necrotizing fasciitis. The latter is a life-threatening condition, which in most cases requires surgical debridement of the infected tissue. Honey-colored blisters and barks are typical features of impetigo. It is very contagious and close contacts need to be investigated. Folliculitis is a commonly seen skin infection, which often responds to the use of antiseptic and topical antibacterial. Severe pustules of the skin, such as furunculose and anthrax, usually require treatment with systemic antibacterial. Intertrigo and Erythrasma have a penchant for body folds, especially armpits and groin, and topical therapy is usually sufficient. Secondary skin infections are often the result of persistent itching associated with increasing aging skin dryness. Mitigating and antihistamines are useful measures. Primary cutaneous diseases and systemic diseases should be ruled out using appropriate examinations, such as blood tests and skin biopsy. Staphylococcus aureus and Beta-hemolytic streptokokken are the most common causal organisms of cutaneous infections.
- Bacterial Pneumonia - More than 60% of the seniors of 65 years are admitted to hospitals due to pneumonia (AAFP). Older people are at increased risk of pneumonia for a variety of reasons, including changes in lung capacity, increased exposure to disease in Community institutions, and increased susceptibility to other Diseases such as disease cardiopulmonary or diabetes. The classic symptoms such as chills, coughs, and fever are less frequent among the elderly, says infectious disease clinics in North America; Instead, keep an eye out for non-respiratory symptoms such as confusion or Delirium. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be effectively prevented by using a pneumococcal vaccine, and this is highly recommended for asylum seekers.
- Influenza - Influenza and combined pneumonia add to the sixth main cause of death in the United States-90% of these in older adults (AAFP). Weakened immunity in elderly, along with other chronic conditions, increases the risk of developing serious influenza complications, such as pneumonia. Because influenza is easily transmitted by coughing and sneezing, the risk of infection rises in a closed environment, such as a nursing home. Coughs, chills and fever are common symptoms, but again, influenza can present different signs in older adults. Annual influenza vaccines are generally recommended for seniors to prevent infection, but for those who are already infected, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce symptoms.
