Textbook of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing Go to book: Textbook of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing

Textbook of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing

Evidence-Based Patient Care for Adolescents to Older Adults
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Chapter 28: Aging, Immunity, and Infection

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826184146.0028

Authors

  • Sankaran-Walters, Sumathi
  • Buser, Elise

Abstract

From birth to death the body’s immune system ebbs and flows. These changes have a great impact on a person’s response to infection, injury, and vaccinations. Additionally, gender and hormones also play a role in the immune response and can impact outcomes. In this chapter we will review the basic concepts in immunology, changes that occur with aging, common infections in the elderly. We will also discuss the immune response to vaccination and special considerations in infection control in the elderly.

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