INFECTIONS in the ELDERLY
Serious infection in the elderly is life- threatening
Serious infections in the elderly such as urinary tract infections, chest infections, blood borne infections (bacteraemia and septicaemia) can present suddenly in unusual ways.
Symptoms of serious infections include sudden onset of dizziness, lethargy, restlessness, agitation or delirium (sudden confusion), or collapse.
Infection must always be suspected with sudden deterioration in the elderly and requires urgent medical diagnosis and treatment.
Serious infection in the elderly is life-threatening!