Corona Virus Prevention Advice for Older Adults

January 15, 2021 Liza 0

The new coronavirus is causing respiratory infections that range from mild to life-threatening risks that are exposed to it. It is generally affecting people of all ages but is causing more severe problems to older peoples. Peoples who are above the age of 60 years are facing respiratory disease from this. Hence it has become more important for older adults to take precautions to stay safe and healthy in this pandemic.

Why COVID-19 is Causing Serious Impacts on Elders?

SARS-CoV-2 infections are causing a more severe impact among older adults as compared to young people due to their low immune systems and other problems. However, there are young people also who are experiencing very severe cases due to coronavirus. Whereas some older adults are facing minor symptoms and are getting recovered without too much trouble. There are a few reasons due to which older are more susceptible to COVID-19 one of which main reason is their weak immune system. The immune system of old people is having a hard time fighting off SARS-CoV-2 as compared to younger people who is having a more robust immune system. Another reason that old people are more susceptible to corona is that as they grow old they develop other health problems which increase the risk of getting more prone to this coronavirus.

Here are some of the following health conditions that might make you more vulnerable to serious complications due to COVID-19 that are as follows

Obesity
Kidney disease
Type 2 diabetes
Sickle cell disease
Weakened immune system
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Serious heart issues like heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc

How to Confirm When You Have Symptoms of COVID-19?

It’s important to check for the possible signs and symptoms of COVID-19. In a recent study, it has been found that the average incubation period for the disease was about 5 days. Though some peoples developed symptoms much later within 12 days around. Therefore it is possible to have an infection for a long time without any symptoms or awareness about it.

Have a look at the common symptoms provided below:-

chills
fever
fatigue
cough
headache
sore throat
shortness of breath
loss of taste or smell
muscle aches and pains
repeated shaking with chills

Occasionally, people are reporting gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea too. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then make sure you haven’t been exposed to anyone who suffered from COVID-19. You don’t need to head to a hospital or emergency unless it is urgent. Instead of calling your doctor right away get the proper testing done and get proper advice to treat this issue.

When To Get Medical Attention?

If your symptoms are mild, then you can go with self-care precautions and rest at home to get recovered. But, in some cases of COVID-19, it has been found that symptoms escalate quickly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) where you need a medical emergency. In case you experience any of the following symptoms, you must call 911 immediately.

a weak pulse
a very high fever
cold hands or feet
shortness of breath
difficulty in thinking clearly
a bluish tint to the lips, nails, gums, around the eyes,
ongoing pain, discomfort, or a feeling of tightness in your chest

How to Prevent Getting an Infection?

Maintain Social Distance From Others – You must stay home as much as possible so that you can avoid contacting infecting peoples. The fewer people you come into contact with the more you will stay safe and better. You must definitely be aware of the concept of social or physical distancing as of now. The less social interaction you are having, the less you will get exposed to the new coronavirus. If you need to leave your home, wear a clean face mask in public. Maintain a distance of about 6 feet (2 meters) between you and other peoples.

Wash Your Hands Properly- Take 20 seconds to wash your hand properly using soap and water. Make sure to scrub all the surfaces of your hands including between the fingers before you rinse. The CDC recommends using a 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don’t have soap to protect your hands from potential germs.

Avoid Contact with Sick People- If someone in your home becomes ill then stay away from them to avoid getting sick, too. You can stay in separate rooms till their illness. Limit the use of common areas in your home. Regularly clean and disinfect your house surfaces.

Clean –Clean and disinfect all the high-touch surfaces in your home that are: