Define Immune senescence.
Gradual, age-related decline of the immune system
This decline affects the body’s ability to respond to infections.
What are the signs and symptoms of infection in older adults?
- Confusion
- Decrease in functional ability
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased appetite
- Incontinence
- Increased confusion and falls
Fever and chills may not be present in older adults.
What lab test indicates an acute infection?
Increase in WBC - White blood cell count is a common marker for infection.
What does an increase in ESR indicate?
Inflammatory process, acute & chronic infection, infarction
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a non-specific marker for inflammation.
Define Hematuria
urine that may appear pink or cola colored
What are the symptoms of a Lower UTI?
- Pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, malaise
- Urgency from inflammation of bladder (cystitis)
Lower UTIs are typically less severe than upper UTIs.
What are the symptoms of an Upper UTI?
- Rapid onset of flank/lower back pain
- Tenderness
- Fever and chills
Upper UTIs can lead to more severe complications.
Define malaise
general feeling of discomfort, illness
Define dysuria
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Define cystitis
Urgency from inflammation of bladder; resulting in frequent small amounts
What is Influenza?
An infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza virus
What are the viral risk factors for complications from influenza?
- Chronic illnesses (e.g., asthma, diabetes, CVD, COPD)
- Living in LTC
These factors can worsen underlying health conditions.
What is the communicable period for influenza?
One day before symptoms to five days after
This period indicates when a person can spread the virus.
What are the differences between Cold and Flu regarding
fever
headache
aches/pains
weakness
cough
complications
Fever: Cold - rare; Flu – usual
Headache: Cold –rare; Flu – usual (severe)
Aches & Pains: Cold – mild; Flu – often severe
Weakness & Fatigue: Cold – mild/unusual; Flu – usual (2-3 wks)/usual early onset
Cough: Cold – sometimes (mild-mod); Flu – usual (severe)
Complications: Cold – sinus congestion, otitis; Flu – pneumonia, resp failure
What is pneumonia?
An infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness
It leads to an inflammatory process and can result in fluid accumulation in the lungs.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
- Fever
- Chills
- Productive cough
- Chest pain
- Mucous
- Dyspnea
Older adults may present with confusion instead of typical symptoms.
What is lobular pneumonia characterized by?
Consolidation, solidification decreases air spaces
This type of pneumonia affects specific lobes of the lungs.
