The surprising link between oral health and flu season
Flu season often is seen as a time for stocking up on tissues and staying warm, but for older adults, it can mean more serious risks. Adults aged 65 or more years account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths each year — 85% of flu-related deaths and 50% to 70% of hospitalizations occur in this age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although flu prevention is critical, the hidden dangers of hospitalization often are overlooked.
One of the most concerning risks for older adults in the hospital during flu season is hospital-acquired pneumonia, or HAP, and, specifically, non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, or NV-HAP, which develops in people not on ventilators. Older adults’ already vulnerable immune systems can make it easier for this life-threatening infection to take hold, especially during prolonged hospital stays. What begins as a manageable condition can quickly escalate into complications like sepsis or organ failure, with devastating consequences. The good news? A simple, often-overlooked daily habit — oral care — can play a powerful role in addressing the risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Understanding the connection between oral health and respiratory infections could help older adults during flu season and beyond.
NV-HAP and its consequences
NV-HAP (non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia) is a significant and often underestimated danger for hospitalized patients, especially older adults. It affects almost 1 in 100 hospitalized patients and can contribute to 1 in 14 hospital deaths. For older adults, the outcomes are particularly severe, as 1 in 5 patients who develop NV-HAP never return to their homes, and those who do may face prolonged health struggles.
Beyond the initial infection, pneumonia can have lasting effects on health and quality of life. Almost 20% of patients are readmitted within 30 days due to complications, and lingering respiratory issues and compromised immunity can make recovery particularly challenging for older adults. Even more troubling, 37% of patients who develop NV-HAP go on to develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can lead to widespread inflammation, organ failure and, in severe cases, death.
Those alarming statistics emphasize the importance of prevention, and one of the simplest ways to address the risk factors of pneumonia while in the hospital is as simple as daily comprehensive oral care.
The overlooked role of oral care in infection prevention
An oral care routine should be a priority for all patients in the hospital, but especially for older patients. It can be the difference between recovery and complications. The connection between oral care and HAP (hospital acquired pneumonia) is well-documented: bacteria that build up in the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, causing severe respiratory infections. Older adults, with already vulnerable immune systems, are particularly susceptible to this pathway of infection.
Without comprehensive oral care, bacteria multiply rapidly, especially in a hospital setting where dry mouth, medications and limited mobility can exacerbate the issue. Those bacteria then can migrate to the pulmonary tract, leading to infections that may go unnoticed until symptoms significantly worsen. Unfortunately, once NV-HAP takes hold, it can trigger a cascade of complications, including sepsis and prolonged hospital stays. This makes proactive oral care an essential component of infection prevention.
But oral care is about more than just brushing — it’s a comprehensive approach to reducing bacterial buildup and maintaining the overall health of the mouth. Here are key tips that you can share with your residents and their families to use to maintain proper oral care during a hospital stay:
Encourage brushing teeth two to four times per day, ideally after meals and before bedtime. Doing so can help address plaque and bacteria building in the oral cavity.
Use the right tools, including soft-bristled toothbrushes, therapeutic toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate or fluoride, antiseptic mouthwash, and a non-petroleum- based lip moisturizer.
Request a fresh toothbrush if the patient’s brush has been left out for an extended period. Toothbrushes in hospital settings can gather bacteria quickly, and this small change can reduce exposure to harmful germs.
Empowering families and caregivers to be advocates
Families and caregivers play a critical role in safeguarding the health of their loved ones during hospital stays, especially during flu season. Although medical teams focus on a range of urgent needs, simple preventive measures such as oral hygiene can sometimes be overlooked. Advocating for consistent oral care, however, doesn’t require complex interventions; it starts with communication.
Working in partnership with healthcare providers, caregivers can ensure that daily brushing and other oral hygiene practices are prioritized. Encouraging the use of proper tools, such as soft-bristled toothbrushes and antiseptic mouthwash, and being proactive about replacing worn or contaminated supplies, can make a significant difference.
Flu season is a challenging time for older adults, but with vigilance and collaboration, families and caregivers can help minimize risks and support recovery. If hospitalization becomes necessary, don’t underestimate the power of simple routines such as brushing teeth. This small but impactful step could reduce complications, helping seniors return home healthier and stronger. It’s information that all family and professional caregivers should know, and it’s worth sharing with senior living residents and their families.
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