The old and infirm population has become a high-prevalence group as a result of reduced physical functioning and reduced immunity. Understanding and doing what is needed to combat infection among this population is essential to guarantee their health and quality of life.
Reasons for vulnerability of the elderly and infirm
Immunisation loss
As age increases, the human immune system ages. The activity of immunocellular cells has been reduced and their number reduced, such as T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which are not as functional or as numerous as young people. This reduces the ability of the organism to identify and remove pathogens and makes it difficult for the body to resist effectively in the event of invasions of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Moreover, the speed and quality of antibodies produced by older persons in the immunization response have decreased, further increasing the risk of infection.
Impact of basic diseases
Older and infirm populations are often associated with a variety of underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases can cause damage to various systems of the body. For example, diabetes patients have a long-term high level of blood sugar, which contributes to bacterial growth, and high blood sugar affects neurological and vascular functions and reduces the resistance of local organizations. Respiratory mucous membranes and fibrosis are impaired in patients with chronic respiratory diseases and are more vulnerable to pathogen attacks and respiratory infections.
The physiology is down.
There has been a marked decline in the biological function of older persons. For example, the skin has become dry, thin, less flexible, less functional barriers, and bacteria are more likely to break through the skin line. Similar conditions exist for oral mucous membranes, gastrointestinal mucous membranes, and for older persons the reduction of gastrointestinal creeping and the reduction of digestive fluids not only affects nutritional absorption, but may also lead to intestinal fungus disorders and increase the risk of infection. In addition, older persons have reduced lung function, reduced lung activity, reduced cough reflections and reduced respiratory genres, which facilitate the growth of pathogens in their lungs.
Types of common infections and hazards
Respiratory infections
This is the most common type of infection among the elderly and infirm population. The light is manifested in cough, cough, nose plugs, aldicarb, etc., and the heavy can be characterized by heat and respiratory difficulties. Respiratory infections can increase the CPR burden and, for older persons with CPR deficiencies themselves, can induce serious complications such as heart failure, respiratory failure and even endanger life.
Urine system infections
Infections of the urinary system are more common among older persons, such as increased prostates, which make it difficult for men to urinate, short urinary tracts for women and closer to the anus. Patients can suffer from symptoms such as frequent, acute, and urinary pains, which, if infected, can cause kidney inflammation, high fever, back pain, etc., and chronic and repeated infections of the urinary system may also affect the kidney function.
Skin infections
The elderly have poor skin barriers and can be infected with minor bruises and scratches. Scabie infections, herpes, etc. are common. Skin infections not only cause local pain, red swelling, but can lead to sepsis in serious cases, especially scabies, which can rapidly deteriorate if long-term bed patients are inadequately cared for.
Anti-infection measures for the elderly and infirm
Prevention of infection
1. Increased immunity: to ensure adequate nutritional intake and to eat more of the foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as skinny meat, fish, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits. (c) Proper exercise, such as walking, tao-bok, etc., to improve the health. At the same time, adequate sleep must be ensured, which facilitates physical recovery and immunisation.
2. Vaccination: Influenza vaccine, pneumocococcal vaccine, etc., have been very effective in preventing respiratory infections. Older persons should, on the advice of a doctor, be given appropriate vaccines to reduce the incidence of infection, depending on their circumstances.
3. Personal hygiene: keeping the skin clean, bathing and changing. Watch your mouth and brush your teeth and mouth every day. Keep your vagina clean, and women pay particular attention. In the case of long-term bed-laying elderly persons, they are regularly turned over and massaged to prevent scabies.
4. Cleaning of the environment: maintenance of a clean and well-ventilated living environment, regular cleaning of rooms and drying of bed. Avoid access to densely populated, air-traffic sites and, if so, wear masks.
Treatment after infection
1. Timely medical treatment: In the event of an infection such as fever, cough, urine pain, skin redness, etc., timely medical treatment should be provided and no self-medication should be used to avoid delay.
Reasonable use of drugs: Doctors will choose appropriate drugs according to the type of infection and the type of pathogens. The use of drugs by older persons requires attention to dosages and side effects, and is strictly in accordance with medical instructions. For older persons with multiple underlying diseases, the interaction between drugs is considered.
3. Enhanced care: During the treatment of infection, care for the elderly, such as ensuring adequate water intake, assistance in defecation and skin cleanliness, should be strengthened to help them recover as soon as possible.
In short, anti-infection prevention and treatment for the elderly and infirm needs to be multifaceted, focusing on routine prevention and timely treatment after infection, so that they can live a healthier and more comfortable life.
Ageing
