Doctor says Pope’s illness serves as reminder to take respiratory issues in older adults seriously

The latest from the Vatican on Monday morning indicated that Pope Francis remains in critical condition receiving treatment for double pneumonia and a mild renal insufficiency.

The 88-year-old pontiff had difficulty breathing for several days before he was admitted Feb. 14 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Doctors later diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs.

Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Sunil Joshi told The Morning Show that this serves as a reminder that we must take respiratory issues, especially in older adults, very seriously.

They discussed the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for lower respiratory tract infections and what happens if they go untreated.