The aging immune system and common infections in elderly patients

The number of elderly persons in the United States has increased to 12.5% of the population, and diseases affecting this age group have also risen. Infections of the respiratory, urinary, and integumentary systems, commonly seen in elderly patients, are a leading cause of death. Changes in the immune system cannot be prevented; however, nursing interventions may reduce the incidence of infection. An understanding of the changes in the immune system and careful nursing assessments may help the nurse to detect infections in elderly patients earlier.