Silent Threats: Understanding the Impact of Respiratory Viruses on the Ageing Population

Respiratory viruses are an important cause of acute respiratory illnesses in older adults. The spectrum of illness may range from pneumonia to an exacerbation of underlying respiratory disease or acute bronchitis. Respiratory viruses can account for a significant proportion of chest infections. However, respiratory viruses, either acting as primary pathogens or in conjunction with bacterial infections, are often underdiagnosed due to less frequent viral testing compared to bacterial infections. Hitherto neglected, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought into sharp focus and generated interest in respiratory viruses and their burden in all age groups. This article addresses this interest and summarises the most prevalent and emerging respiratory viruses affecting the elderly. There is a general overview as well as specific information on how to approach, identify, and treat these viruses. We will also discuss the latest guidance on vaccination, as well as adjunctive tests like procalcitonin and point-of-care testing and the niche that these occupy in the diagnosis and management of chest infections.