The elderly rank among our most vulnerable citizens. As the body ages, so does the immune system. In a weakened state, the immune system is unable to fend off infectious diseases, illnesses that a younger person would likely have no trouble combating.
Infections in older individuals increase their risk of hospitalization, discomfort, and ongoing poor health. In some cases, they can be fatal. And quite often it's the most common infections that are to blame.
So, what infections should senior citizens be especially aware of, and how are they prevented and treated? For more about common infections in the elderly, click on for a diagnosis.