ABSTRACT
MANAGEMENT Most common organisms in older people are ➤ Haemophilus infl uenzae and the infl uenza viruses. ➤ Place of management (home or hospital) depends on severity of episode. ➤ General measures include rest, smoking cessation, maintenance of hydration and ➤ simple analgesia for pleuritic chest pain. Early treatment with antibiotics in suitable patients shortens duration of illness ➤ and reduces mortality risk. For low severity cases managed in the community the British Th oracic Society ➤ guidelines2 suggest oral amoxicillin 500 mg tds (or doxycycline 200 mg loading then 100 mg od or clarithromycin 500 mg bd if penicillin allergic) for 7 days. Patients (and/or carers) should be educated about when to seek help if managed ➤ at home – these cases require early medical review. Infl uenza and pneumococcal immunisations are recommended for everyone over ➤ the age of 65 years.
