Infections

Many patients arrive at the Geriatrics Department with an infection. Although infections can occur at any age, older people are more prone to serious infections. Moreover, older people often present with atypical or subtle symptoms, which can complicate or delay a diagnosis.

The most common infections seen on the Geriatrics Department include:

• Urinary tract infections: bladder infection, kidney or prostate infections
• Respiratory infections: throat infection, lung infection (‘pneumonia’)
• Gastrointestinal infections: viral or bacterial infections of the stomach or intestines
• Skin infections
• Viral infections: influenza ('flu'), COVID-19 ...
• Wound infections
• Infected prostheses

Infections can have far-reaching (even fatal) consequences; therefore, they should be treatedas soon as possible. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viral infections, on the other hand, are more likely to require symptomatic and/or antiviral drug therapy. If drug therapies prove insufficient, it is sometimes necessary to remove the infection surgically.

Latest publication date: 02/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Desimpelaere Patrick