The comprehensive strategy for the prevention of pneumonia
Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Oita University Faculty of Medicine
Japan is facing the advent of an unprecedented aging of society, and the prevention of pneumonia in this elderly population is highly important. The prevention of viral infection by hand washing and influenza vaccination is necessary to reduce secondary bacterial pneumonia. Furthermore, combined vaccination with influenza and pneumococcal vaccine during influenza season is especially useful for elderly subjects to decrease the mortality rate. Because aspiration pneumonia is more common in an elderly population, the preventive strategies for silent aspiration including oral health care would be effective.
Pneumonia in the elderly Preventive strategy Aspiration pneumonia Vaccination Oral healthcare
AJRS, 2(6): 703-707, 2013