Common Infections in the Elderly
Infections are one of the leading causes of death for people over the age of 65. That’s why it’s so important to pay close attention to symptoms when you or your senior loved one comes down with an illness. It’s easy to dismiss symptoms of a severe infection as the common cold or other mild conditions, but there are certain red flags that could signify a more serious issue.
What to Know About Prevalent Infections
If you or your senior loved one shows signs of the infections listed below, seek medical attention immediately to avoid further complications.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections are the most frequent bacterial infection in adults. One alarming aspect of UTIs is that symptoms can present as other medical issues. For instance, disorientation is a common sign, making UTIs in those with cognitive decline difficult to immediately recognize.
What to watch for:
Pain while urinating, frequent urges to urinate, incontinence, confusion and disorientation, fever or chills, and feeling shaky or weak are all common symptoms of a UTI in an older adult.
Skin Infections
Our skin changes in texture and elasticity as we age, making infections much more common and challenging to detect. The most prevalent skin infections include MRSA, shingles, bed sores, foot fungus, and cellulitis. Luckily, some of these infections can be prevented with vaccines or good hygiene habits.
What to watch for:
Signs and symptoms of a potential skin infection include discolored skin that is painful to the touch, lesions, itchy rashes, warm skin, and pus or fluid-filled bumps.
Influenza
Older people are more at risk of contracting respiratory infections due to weakened immune systems. The flu can quickly become deadly, particularly if it causes pneumonia or bronchitis. Older adults should get their yearly flu shot to help prevent infections.
What to watch for:
Headache, fever, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort are all possible symptoms of influenza. Severe cases can also cause disorientation or an altered mental state.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Stomach sensitivities are more likely among older adults. Serious infections such as H. pylori, Norovirus, and Shigella spread quickly among long-term care facilities and nursing homes. However, anyone is at risk of contracting these infections.
What to watch for:
Fever, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and headaches.
Visiting Angels Pittsburgh Helps Support Senior Health
All of these infections can have long recovery times. If you or your senior loved one could use professional assistance while you heal, contact Visiting Angels Pittsburgh. Our experienced and professional caregivers are ready to help you with daily tasks like household chores, hygiene, transportation, medication reminders, and more throughout your recovery, as well as after. Caregivers can also be on the lookout for signs of illness complications and alert your physicians when necessary.
Contact us today to learn more about our flexible care options or to schedule a free initial consultation. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 412-343-1515.