Nosocomial pneumonia in the elderly patient. Chronic care facility and hospital considerations.

By nature, nosocomial infections in general, and pneumonia specifically, are opportunistic, preying on patients who are already seriously ill. These infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality for these individuals. Among the elderly, pneumonia is more common and more likely to lead to death. The author reviews the epidemiology and risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia among the elderly.