PMID: 11899549Mar 20, 2002Paper

Bacterial pneumonia. Managing a deadly complication of influenza in older adults with comorbid disease

Geriatrics
Sanjay Sethi

Abstract

In patients with Influenza, the risk of death from pneumonia is closely associated with age and chronic conditions. Mortality from influenza and pneumonia in Americans age > or = 65 has been increasing since 1980. Pneumonia following influenza is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Pathogens most commonly implicated are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Prompt empiric therapy effective against the suspected pathogen is indicated, whether the patient is being treated as an outpatient or requires inpatient observation or hospitalization for i.v. administration. Influenza vaccination of older patients living in the community has been shown to decrease hospitalizations for influenza and pneumonia by 52% and mortality by 70% in those with chronic lung disease. Protective rates are similar for residents of long-term care facilities.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to the continued successful use of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Bacterial Pneumonia (ASM)

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Antivirals

Antivirals are medications that are used specifically for treating viral infections. Discover the latest research on antivirals here.

Allergy & Infectious Diseases

Allergies result from the hyperreactivity of the immune system to some environmental substance and can be life-threatening. Infectious diseases are caused by organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They can be transmitted different ways, such as person-to-person. Here is the latest research on allergy and infectious diseases.

Antimicrobial Resistance (ASM)

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to the continued successful use of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Allergy & Infectious Diseases (ASM)

Allergies result from the hyperreactivity of the immune system to some environmental substance and can be life-threatening. Infectious diseases are caused by organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They can be transmitted different ways, such as person-to-person. Here is the latest research on allergy and infectious diseases.

Antivirals (ASM)

Antivirals are medications that are used specifically for treating viral infections. Discover the latest research on antivirals here.