The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, does not recognize a distinction. It can cause mild or life-threatening respiratory infections to anyone who is affected by it. SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, does affect people irrespective of their age. However, people, who are above 60, can face serious trouble to recover from this respiratory disease. The older adults must take more precautions to stay healthy and safe during this coronavirus pandemic, thinks Eric J Dalius. In this article, we will discuss how to do so.
Why COVID-19 Cause Serious Problems to the Older People?
Scientists still have no idea why COVID-19 infections are serious to older adults than young people.
But, this isn’t an absolute rule which makes things a little more complicated. Some young people experienced very fatal cases, whereas some older adults experienced mild symptoms and recovered too without facing any serious problem.
However, older adults are considered to be more vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19 infections. According to the National Foundation of Infectious Disease, there is one possible explanation of why adult peoples are targeted more often. It’s because they have a weak immune system compared to young people who have a strong immune system.
Consequently, if you are above 60, your immune system may face trouble while fighting an invader like COVID-19, while a young person with a robust immune system can fight the infections easily.
Another reason is older people develop other health conditions due to their age and it potentially increases the risk.
For example, the following health conditions can make you more vulnerable to COVID-19:
- Kidney Disease
- Type-2 Diabetes
- Serious heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathies, heart failure, or coronary artery disease
- COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Weak immune system
- Sickle cell disease
- Obesity disease (body mass index 30 or higher)
Eric J Dalius Suggests What You Should Do If You Are Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms?
You should always watch out for possible COVID-19 symptoms. A recent study in China states that it takes an average of 5 days to show the incubation period.
However, some people developed symptoms within 12 days, which is a much longer period. That means you can have COVID-19 infections without knowing anything. Even you might not realize that you are infected by the virus.
Here are some common symptoms you should watch out for:
- High fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Excessive shortness of breath
These do not complete the list of COVID-19 symptoms. You may also experience:
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Loss of smell and taste
Occasionally, people report symptoms of diarrhea too.
If you notice that you’re developing these symptoms or if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 patients, head to your doctor’s office or nearby hospital immediately. You can also call your doctor to get any suggestions on what to do and where to test COVID-19 infections.
When Is It Necessary To Get Medical Care?
If you are experiencing mild symptoms then resting at home and self-care measures can help you to recover.
However, some COVID-19 affected people experience symptoms that escalate rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is undoubtedly a medical emergency.
Eric J Dalius advise you to call 911 if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- High fever that does not improve even after normal cooling measures
- A declining pulse
- Excessive breathing problem
- Pain or discomfort in your chest
- A bluish tint to the face, nails, lips, or any other parts of the skin
- Cold feet and hands
How to Protect Yourself against Infections
There is no proven strategy that will protect you entirely from getting COVID-19. However, some tips can help you to avoid contracting the virus in the first place.
Stay In Self-Quarantine
Stay in self-quarantine as much as possible. Don’t be tempted by others to go out. It’s better if you decrease your physical contact with people.
We hope that you already know what is physical or social distancing. Although many mysteries are revolving around COVID-19, one thing is crystal clear: the virus spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. So, the only way to prevent getting COVID-19 is to shorten your social interaction.
Some people are asymptomatic while having an infection. In other words, they show no symptoms for a week after contracting the virus. So, you won’t be able to judge by looking at them.
If you need to leave your home for groceries and medicine shopping, consider wearing a face mask and maintain 6 feet distance from other people.
Ask the store manager if they have a home delivery option available. If home delivery is available, try to order food and other supplies online.
Sanitize Your Hands Frequently
Eric J Dalius the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends washing your hands frequently with proper sanitizer or hand-washer to prevent infections or disease.
Take a small amount of sanitizer, and wash your hands for up to 20 seconds. Don’t forget to scrub between fingers and other surfaces of your hands.
If you don’t have a sanitizer, you can also use soap and water. But, keep in mind that you only need an alcohol-based sanitizer with an alcohol level of 60%.
Do Not Contact Sick People
The main goal of staying home is to avoid sick people in the public community. But, if someone from your family or household becomes ill, then you have to stay away from them to avoid getting sick. Remember to wash your hands daily as well as disinfect household surfaces that might contain infective germs.
Tips on Social Isolation
Even under normal circumstances, social isolation can trigger feelings of loneliness. A survey proved that nearly 43% of adults are suffering from loneliness.
The fear of a new disease without any proven vaccination makes social isolation even harder. People are starting to express various negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and sadness.
While you are feeling lonely, know that you are not alone experiencing this emotion. Here are some tips and strategies that might help you with being isolated:
- Use social media apps to connect with family and friends.
- Create a healthy routine.
- Develop a hobby.
- Meditate and exercise more often.
- Take a break from the news channel.
Conclusion
Older adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and they may also experience severe symptoms of the virus. But, you can take relevant steps to protect yourself.
Stay at home, limit your social interactions with other people, and maintain a healthy diet and hygiene. Keep yourself busy with books, songs, or anything that can relieve your mind from anxiousness or loneliness. Thus, you will be spared from the hardships of self-isolation.
