Over 60% of seniors have been admitted to hospitals due to pneumonia at least once after the age of 65. Researches, Jorge Perez San Juan, Lisandra Rodriguez Hernandez, Timothy L. Wiemken, Robert R. Kelley, Rafael Fernandez-Botran, Martin Gnoni, Paula Peyrani, Madhavi J. Rane, Forest W. Arnold, Julio A. Ramirez, Silvia Uriarte, and Jose Bordon, associated with the University of Louisville found that “advanced age is an independent risk factor for mortality.” They continued by saying, “human aging is associated with a gradual decrease of immune function.” Because of the increased susceptibility due to conditions like diabetes, dementia, stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, changes in lung capacity, and increased exposure to disease in community settings seniors are at greater risk for pneumonia. UofL Physician Practices say to watch for symptoms like fever, cough, and chill. In Elderly symptoms like confusion, weakness and delirium are more common. Ask your doctor about what types of pneumonia can be prevented using a pneumococcal vaccine.
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