Infectious Diseases, Cardio-Cerebrovascular Health and Vaccines in Older Persons

This book provides an up-to-date review of the state of the scientific knowledge regarding respiratory infections, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, and the role of vaccines in mediating this relationship. The different chapters address key respiratory infections, describing the possible effect of these infections on cardio- and cerebrovascular health, and the vaccines available to prevent these diseases. The pathology of vascular disease and the overlap with the pathology of respiratory diseases is discussed, highlighting how the prevention of respiratory infection through vaccination can contribute to preventing vascular events. There is a lack of robust literature summarizing the whole spectrum of respiratory infectious diseases, and their interactions with the vascular system, and this book will fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases, and also considering specific populations such as patients with diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The book is intended for clinicians or healthcare professionals working with older adults in any setting, as they are at most at risk for both respiratory infections and cardio-/cerebrovascular disease, and also the target population for vaccination campaigns.