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Infections at a Nuring Home

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

There are over 1.3 million residents currently residing in nursing home across the United States and over 3 million seniors utilize the services of a nursing home every year. One of the most common dangers that residents of nursing homes face is the risk of infection. Each year, there are approximately 2 million infections seen in nursing homes which cause nearly 400,000 deaths.

Nursing home residents who were hospitalized or are transferred from other facilities are often carriers of these infections, but infections may also be introduced by outside visitors, improper sanitation practices, and neglect. Because of the weakened immune systems of nursing home residents, the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria can cause other health conditions to become worse and increase their chances of contracting an infection.

There are a number of infections that may be found in nursing homes, but a few are most commonly seen. The infections most commonly seen in nursing homes include urinary tract infections, MRSA, influenza, staph infections, and pneumonia.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that is common in the elderly population because of their weakened urinary tract, increased use of catheters, and lack of proper hydration.

A UTI normally presents as painful urination, but in the senior population that isn’t always the case. Often, a UTI in the elderly will present as confusion, sudden behavior changes, incontinence, and dementia-like symptoms. UTI’s require antibiotics for treatment, and often require hospitalization if symptoms are not caught early.

MRSA

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an infection that normally enters the skin through an open wound but can also be introduced through the use of breathing tubes and catheters. MRSA is difficult to treat and can be deadly in a patient who has a weakened immune system. The most serious MRSA infections require hospitalization and IV medications, especially when the infection has spread to the bloodstream. If there are other comorbid conditions, further treatments may also be required.

Symptoms of MRSA include:

  • High fever;
  • Skin abscesses with drainage;
  • Fatigue;
  • Headaches;
  • Chills;
  • Rash;
  • Chest pains.

In severe cases of MRSA, isolation of the affected resident is necessary to prevent the spread of the infection to other residents who may be at risk.

Influenza

Influenza is a dangerous infection for the entire elderly population. With a weakened immune system, it is common for influenza to worsen into pneumonia and with close living quarters within nursing homes, influenza is easily spread through sneezing and coughing. When influenza is diagnosed in a nursing home resident, up to 30% of the population will become infected and up to 5% will die.

The best way to prevent and limit influenza in a nursing home is to ensure that all residents and staff receive yearly flu shots and proper sanitation practices are in place, as well as isolating residents who are infected.

Staph Infections

Staph infections are more than just MRSA, they are also a bacterial infection that causes food poisoning. Unlike other types of food poisoning, staph food poisoning will have no fever, but will quickly strike with vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Generally, staph food poisoning resolves quickly but because of weakened immune systems in nursing home residents, staph infections are often deadly.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by influenza or any other number of reasons but is most dangerous in nursing home patients who have other comorbid conditions such as heart and lung conditions, diabetes, and often spend long amounts of time laying down.

Pneumonia in elderly residents may not present with symptoms normally seen in younger populations, but instead may begin with confusion, delirium, weakness, and other behavior changes, making it difficult to diagnose. Treatment must be started as soon as possible and often involves strong antibiotics and hospitalization.

Infections in nursing homes are unfortunately a common occurrence. Without quick and proper diagnosis and treatment, these infections can be deadly. If you suspect that your loved one suffered an infection due to nursing home negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.

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