Risky infections in elderly overlooked, warns England's chief doctor

"Diseases like pneumonia and flu must be taken much more seriously in older people, England's chief medical officer has warned. Sir Chris Whitty said some doctors do not appreciate that an infection can significantly increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack. NHS data shows that adults over 70 are much more likely to catch and go on to become severely ill or die from an infection."

"He said older people were often "underserved" when it came to both NHS care and medical research, adding that there should be a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics than for younger adults. He suggested that the medical community had been fatalistic about elderly infections in the past, adding that "people have assumed it's just one of those things that happen in old age - in fact, we can do a lot about it"."

"The chief medical officer said there was now "clear evidence" that illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza or a urinary tract infection can increase the risk of a stroke "particularly in the first two weeks, but it can extend out to as long as a year afterwards." Research also suggests that elderly patients are more likely to have a heart attack following an infection - although it is less conclusive. "What's the importance of all that? Well, if we could reduce the infections, we would reduce strokes and heart attacks," he added."

Diseases like pneumonia, influenza and urinary tract infections pose serious risks for older adults and require greater clinical attention. Infections can significantly increase the risk of stroke and, possibly, heart attack, especially within the first two weeks and up to a year afterwards. Adults over 70 are more likely to contract infections and to become severely ill or die. Older adults frequently receive less consistent NHS care and medical research, and a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics for elderly patients is advised. Reducing infections would lower subsequent strokes and heart attacks. Preventive actions include handwashing, safe food preparation, staying home when ill, and accepting free vaccines.

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