How Are Older Adults Different Than Other Adults for Infections?

Abstract

The presentation of an infectious disease in an older adult, especially in a frail older adult or in the oldest old (≥80 years), may differ from other adults. In addition to differences in immune response, there are significant differences in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, mental status, living conditions, and behavior that affect susceptibility, course of disease, presentation, severity, and treatment. This is the second of a series of reviews that examine differences in disease presentation for different demographics. This short review will look at some of the parameters that ask, “How are older adults different than other adults for infections?”