INFECTIONS in the ELDERLY

Written By Peter Lipski

  • 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!

Peter Lipski