Chris Whitty urges more research into preventing infections in the elderly, a growing concern
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has raised alarm over the inadequacies in preventing and managing infections in older adults, describing current efforts as “hit and miss.” In his annual report for 2025, Whitty stressed that while infection prevention has improved life expectancy for the general population over the past 150 years, there is a glaring lack of systematic research and targeted strategies for the elderly.
During a briefing to the press, Whitty explained that while the medical field has been successful in reducing infections in children and young adults, older adults have often been overlooked. “We are very systematic about reducing infections and preventing infections in children and in young adults, but in older adults, it’s often a lot more hit and miss,” he said.
This oversight has significant consequences, particularly as the population of older adults continues to grow. According to data from England in 2023, the majority of deaths from infectious diseases occurred among older adults, with respiratory infections and COVID-19 being the leading causes. Whitty highlighted that infections in older people don’t only result in hospitalisation and severe illness but can also have a profound impact on their quality of life.
For example, conditions like cellulitis, which may seem moderately serious, can prevent older individuals from socialising or even staying in their homes, effectively isolating them. Furthermore, infections in older adults are linked to increased risks of stroke, heart problems, and even dementia. Whitty noted that while the relationship between infections and dementia remains unclear, there is evidence suggesting infections might accelerate the onset of cognitive decline.
In addition to addressing these medical concerns, Whitty pointed out that infections can also lead to delirium in elderly patients, further complicating their overall health. He called for more targeted research to understand how infections contribute to broader health challenges in older age.
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In response to these issues, Whitty urged the public to take simple preventative measures, including frequent hand-washing, careful food preparation, vaccinations, and staying home when unwell to avoid spreading infections. He also stressed the importance of maintaining careful control over the prescribing of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. However, he suggested that there should be a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics to older individuals due to their increased risk of sepsis, which can quickly become life-threatening.
The report has received positive feedback from experts in the field. Professor Arne Akbar, chair of the British Society for Immunology’s immune ageing network, welcomed Whitty’s focus on elderly infections. He stated, “Preventing and better managing infections in older age has huge potential to enable people to enjoy a better quality of life for longer and alleviate pressure on health and social care systems.” He also expressed hope that Whitty’s report would spark renewed focus on research in this critical area.
In addition to the focus on elderly infections, Whitty’s report raised concerns about declining vaccine uptake in certain groups, including pregnant women and children, particularly in more deprived areas. He warned that a drop in HPV vaccination rates could jeopardise efforts to nearly eliminate cervical cancer. However, Whitty was quick to dismiss the notion that the UK is becoming a “vaccine-sceptical” nation, attributing the decline to practical challenges in accessing vaccines rather than widespread anti-vaccine sentiments.
The report also noted a rise in imported infections, such as malaria, over the past decade, emphasising the need for the UK to maintain its expertise in preventing and responding to such diseases. Looking ahead, Whitty acknowledged that pandemics and other infectious disease threats are “entirely predictable,” even if their timing is uncertain. He called for the government to maintain the capacity to respond to infections proactively, rather than waiting for crises to unfold.
In conclusion, Whitty’s report underscores the urgent need to address the gaps in infection prevention and treatment for older adults. With a growing elderly population and an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, experts argue that tackling these issues will not only improve the quality of life for older individuals but also reduce the strain on the healthcare system as a whole.
