Bradley S F
GRECC (IIG), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
Postgrad Med. 1996 Feb;99(2):138-9, 143-9.
Diagnosis of influenza can be difficult in the elderly because of coexisting disease or communication difficulties. However, since the infection often results in complications and may be lethal in these patients, early identification is imperative. Influenza virus vaccine (Fluogen, Fluzone, FluShield) may prevent infection or reduce the severity of complications, even though response may be attenuated in elderly patients. Newer vaccines under investigation may prove to be more efficacious. Education is necessary to improve rates of vaccination, particularly among residents and staff of nursing homes. Antiviral agents are important adjuncts in the fight against influenza, but they are not a substitute for vaccination.
由于存在合并症或沟通困难，老年人的流感诊断可能会很困难。然而，由于感染常常会引发并发症，且可能对这些患者致命，因此早期识别至关重要。流感病毒疫苗（全病毒流感疫苗、流感裂解疫苗、流感亚单位疫苗）或许可以预防感染或减轻并发症的严重程度，尽管老年患者的反应可能会减弱。正在研究的新型疫苗可能会被证明更有效。开展教育对于提高疫苗接种率很有必要，尤其是在养老院的居民和工作人员中。抗病毒药物是抗击流感的重要辅助手段，但它们不能替代疫苗接种。
