Infections in the elderly: Part 3
Thurlow, K.L.
Emergency Medical Services 31(5): 34
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-6575 PMID: 12066760 Document Number: 548281
The number of elderly individuals is rapidly growing. As a result, more emergency transports will involve the care of an elderly patient. Distinguishing the cause of symptoms can be difficult for healthcare professionals, including emergency personnel. Clinical symptoms of infection may be absent, or not as obvious as with a younger individual. The aging process of the immune system results in the inability to fight off many infections. Transport of patients with antibiotic-resistant organisms has caused many challenges for emergency care personnel surrounding infection control practices.