Researchers in Spain have been looking at what raises the risk of dying from pneumonia.
It's already known that community-acquired pneumonia is a common infectious disease, affecting up to six people per thousand in every year. In the elderly, whose immune system may be weaker, the incidence rises five to ten fold.

A team of experts followed 503 patients at several centers in Spain, who had been hospitalised with pneumonia. They found that there were few differences in the clinical presentation and microbiological causes of pneumonia between the elderly and younger people. This runs contrary to popular belief. So both age groups should be getting similar treatment.

Mortality was eleven per cent. There was no difference in mortality according to the antibiotic given - the risk was related more to any co-existing disease the patient had, and to the severity of the pneumonia. Age itself was not a risk factor. This study may improve the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia among older people.