Common infections among seniors can be hard to detect. However, influenza and UTIs are the leading cause of deaths among older adults. Families should make sure their senior loved one is free from any kind of seasonal flu or diseases in the golden years to stay healthy and fit. Here are the five common types of infections in seniors.

1.     Urinary Tract Infections

Seniors who have diabetes or use catheters may have an increased risk of urinary tract infections. The common signs of urinary tract infection can be changes in behavior, sudden confusion, or worsening of dementia. Take your loved one to a physician if he or she is having discomfort or you suspect a UTI. The physician will take a urine test or many other types of tests to perform a full diagnosis and may prescribe medications accordingly. Family caregivers should ensure their aging loved one drinks an adequate amount of water which may prevent UTIs.

Maintaining personal hygiene and eating nutritious meals can be the two important factors when it comes to leading a healthy and happy life. If your loved one is alone and need someone to help him or her with preparing meals, assist with daily chores, or taking him or her to the doctor, consider hiring a Livingston caregiver. 

2.     Skin Infections

The ability to heal or provide resistance to disease may decrease as your loved one ages. Many skin diseases include Cellulitis, herpes, or fungal foot inspections. Check whether your loved one has any kind of itching issue or skin infections, take him or her to the doctor. Some skin diseases can be preventable if they are being diagnosed at an earlier stage. Seniors may stave off many different kinds of skin diseases by keeping a good hygiene, like washing hands after using the toilet.     

3.     Bacterial Pneumonia

More than 50% of older adults over the age of 65 are brought in ER because of pneumonia. Your senior loved one may be at risk of pneumonia in the golden years which may be due to a weak immune system, more exposure to diseases, or if he or she has diabetes. Coughing, fever, or chills are a few symptoms not common among older adults. Watch out for sudden confusion or delirium in seniors which are a few non-respiratory symptoms.

4.     Gastrointestinal Infections  

Seniors may have an increased risk of gastrointestinal infections due to the age-related changes in digestion. Helicobacter and Pylori are the two most common types of gastrointestinal infections in seniors causing intense nausea, fever, and abdominal pain or may lead to gastritis, which is a diarrhea-causing infection. The risk of both kinds of diseases may increase in older adults.

5.     Elderly Influenza

 Pneumonia and influenza are common among many seniors. The risk of pneumonia may enhance in seniors due to a weak immune system, with other chronic conditions. Influenza can be easily transmitted to seniors if someone in the family has it because the risk of it increases if seniors are living in a close proximity to the one who is infected. To prevent any kind of infection or influenza, annual flu vaccinations can help seniors reduce the symptoms of it or see a physician if their condition worsens.

The chance of infection in your loved one may reduce if he or she is cared for accordingly. There are many non-medical care providers who can help your aging loved one with many daily tasks, especially if he or she is living with a disease or an infection. For elderly Home Care, Livingstonfamilies should consider hiring a trained and professional caregiver to help their loved one with everything ranging from transportation and medication reminder to bathing and personal hygiene.