[Complementary and alternative medical approaches to infection prophylaxis in the elderly]

Protection against infection encompasses appropriate medical treatment of existing diseases as well as counseling on social, psychological, disease-specific and individual factors--and this also applies to the old patient. In appropriate cases, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or relevant substances may be administered in addition to conventional medicine as supportive measures in preventing infection and preserving health. Acupuncture and homeopathy are widely established, and must be considered largely free of side effects. However, in light of the currently unsatisfactory situation in terms of good scientific studies, these forms of treatment cannot yet be definitively recommended. The administration of synthetic vitamins as dietary supplements may compensate deficiencies due to malnutrition or malabsorption problems in the elderly. However, neither supplementation with vitamin C or E, nor zink has any positive effect as cold treatment. The latest studies also fail to show any prophylactic effect of Echinacea extracts on the duration or severity of colds.