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COVID-19 infection is a new disease that can lead to acute respiratory failure. The elderly with comorbidities are particularly at risk. For this reason, seniors should monitor their health. How to protect the elderly from the coronavirus?
The risk of contracting the coronavirus COVID-19 increases with age. Mortality among seniors is much higher than in other age groups. This applies to people over 61 years of age, especially in the 75-80 age group. This is because the immune system weakens with age, and it does not respond adequately to infections as well as infectious diseases. In addition, elderly people are much less likely to develop fever due to comorbidities that interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Also read: Seniors and the coronavirus. Three questions for the geriatrician
Who is at increased risk?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seniors with comorbidities are primarily at risk. Belong to them:
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- ischemic heart disease;
- asthma.
In addition, people who have had a stroke or heart attack are also at increased risk.
- Find out more: Could I be infected with the coronavirus?
Seniors who are in an environment where a lot of COVID-19 infections have emerged should avoid public spaces and large gatherings of people. The best way to protect yourself is therefore to stay at home. In this case, it is worth asking family or neighbors to provide the elderly with the food and hygiene products they will need.
In view of the epidemiological threat, it is also very important not to visit clinics. A phone call to the attending physician is a better solution. In addition, seniors who have to leave their place of residence must not forget about hand disinfection, and after returning home – to wash their hands thoroughly.
In addition, it is worth remembering about the general rules that should be followed not only by seniors but also by other people:
- avoiding touching your face with your hands;
- maintaining a safe distance from other people;
- disinfecting flat surfaces and the most frequently touched objects;
- covering with a tissue or the inside of the elbow of the mouth when coughing and sneezing. In this case, remember to throw the tissue into the trash.
Should seniors wear protective masks?
Older people should wear masks where they are mandatory. Mouth and nose protectors reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus, but also reduce the chances that a sick person will infect others.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
- Why does the coronavirus kill some and run like a cold in others?
- Coronavirus – how to stop the epidemic? WHO guidelines
- What are the symptoms of the disease caused by the coronavirus?
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