How the Old and Elderly Can Keep Themselves Safe from the Coronavirus?

The old and elderly are at increased risk of contracting the Novel Coronavirus infection due to their naturally worn out immune function. The CDC or Centre for Disease Control and Transmission has identified older adults and individuals with serious chronic illnesses related to the lung, heart, and kidney as being at high risk of falling ill with the Coronavirus. The CDC has stated that older people are twice as likely to develop severe COVID-19 infection. Besides our immune functioning becoming compromised with age, the elderly are also more likely to suffer from underlying medical complications, which could interfere with coping with illness and recovery. The more progressed in age we are, the more probability of our lung and respiratory system function collapsing when met with the virus. According to the CDC, the best way for the elderly and old to keep themselves protected from the Novel Coronavirus infection is to prevent exposure. We learn more about the CDC advisory and health guidelines for high-risk patients during the Novel Coronavirus pandemic outbreak below.

CDC Health Guidelines for Potentially High Risk Population Group

The CDC has listed the following health advisory guidelines for high risk sections of the populations, most susceptible to the novel coronavirus infection –

· If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, practice staying indoors as much as possible to avoid and reduce the risk of exposure to the virus

· Do not embark on non-essential air travel or travel via cruise

· Stock up on supplies of essential and medicine

· Try to avoid crowded places

· Be careful to keep space between yourself and others on a daily basis

· If you have traveled outdoors, distance adequately from those who are sick, do not engage in close contact and wash your hands often

Always Remember

Besides the health advisory instructions shared above, be sure to follow the basic health guidelines released by the CDC to prevent the COVID-19 infection. They are –

· Wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Especially before eating, after visiting the lavatory and after coughing/sneezing/blowing your nose.

· Make it a habit not to touch your nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands.

· Cover your mouth when you sneeze/cough with a tissue and then dispose off this tissue sanitarily.

· Stay inside your home if you are sick.

· Keep surface area that you frequently touch clean and disinfected

How Can You Care for the Old/Elderly During the Pandemic

If you know of any old or elderly person, you can also take steps to take care of them during this difficult time. Here’s how –

· Call and check up on them and how their health is keeping

· Ask them if they have adequate stock of medicinal supplies

· Enquire whether they’d like you to go for a grocery run

· Help with disinfecting surface areas at their house

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help

If you are old or of advanced age and have been suffering from any symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus infection, seek immediate medical care. You can call and make a telemedicine appointment with Phoenix Family Health Clinic and have our physician verify your symptoms. If required, we can refer you to a nearby facility where you can have yourself tested for the COVID-19 infection.

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