Story perspectives

Experts Demand Urgent Action on Elderly Infection Prevention

12/5/2025

50 8

Summary

Story summary

The chief medical officer for England, Prof Chris Whitty, calls for improved infection prevention and management for older adults in a 2025 report because research on infections in this group remains insufficient.
Most deaths from infectious diseases occur in older people, mainly due to respiratory infections and Covid.
Prof Arne Akbar of University College London backs the report, urging renewed research to improve quality of life and reduce health-system pressure.

1 of 1

Story summary

The chief medical officer for England, Prof Chris Whitty, calls for improved infection prevention and management for older adults in a 2025 report because research on infections in this group remains insufficient.
Most deaths from infectious diseases occur in older people, mainly due to respiratory infections and Covid.
Prof Arne Akbar of University College London backs the report, urging renewed research to improve quality of life and reduce health-system pressure.