Study: Infections lead to increased fall risk

New research shows that infections can be an underlying cause of patient falls, according to a study presented at IDWeek 2015.

The Massachusetts General Hospital study found that bloodstream, urinary, and respiratory infections are the most common causes for infection-related falls. Infections can cause patients to experience dizziness or lightheadedness, which can lead to falls. And it’s not just the elderly: 20% of patients in the study were younger than 65.

In the study, researchers analyzed 161 patients who went to the emergency room because they fell and were diagnosed with an infection.

Read a press release about the study.