Elderly people at higher risk of COVID- 19.

Elderly people at higher risk of COVID- 19 and they should follow some of the preventive tips seriously.

Corona virus is spreading in India and around the world even though the WHO and Government is taking all preventive measures. It has become very difficult to control and stop the spread of corona virus infection. Based on currently available information elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new corona virus that rose in China in December 2019. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. COVID-19 can be severe, and some cases have caused death.

Elderly people at higher risk of COVID- 19.

In India, every home has elderly people. They are at higher risk of COVID- 19 infection.According to the CDC early data report, older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19. This is because as people age,their immunity decreases, making it harder for their body to fight against diseases or infection.Research showed that adults 60 and older, those with pre-existing medical conditions, especially heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease,HIV infection or cancer are more likely to have severe corona virus infection than other age groups. These pre-existing medical conditions in turn weaken their body’s ability to fight against infectious disease.

Preventive Tips for Elderly People :

Prevention is better than the cure. The CDC has emphasized that the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure.One must not get exposed to novel corona virus. This is a challenge as novel corona virus is already there in the air, on the surfaces and human bodies.

Maintain social distance:Elderly people need to change their behaviour for two to three months and maintain social distance.Stay at home. Avoid children and meeting visitors. Stay away from crowded places like parks, markets and religious places.Don’t go out unless it is absolutely necessary.

Personal hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water especially after going to the bathroom; before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. It takes 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands. “If soap is not available, then use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol.”

Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching the “T-zone” of your face i.e. mouth, eyes and nose. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, either with a tissue or your inner elbow. Use each tissue only once and throw it away immediately in a covered rubbish bin.

Avoid sick people: Stay away from people who have symptoms of sneezing, coughing, fever or respiratory illnesses to prevent spread of infection. Don’t shake hands or hug your near ones and friends.

Stay connected: Talk to your family members those who are not staying with you, relatives, and friends, via call or video conferencing, take help from family if needed.

Improve immunity: Ensure proper nutrition through home cooked fresh hot meals, hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.

Postpone unnecessary doctor visits: Avoid going to hospitals for routine check-up or follow up. Make tele-consultation with your health care provider. Post pone elective surgeries if any like cataract surgery, knee bone surgery to minimize the risk of COVID 19 infection.