Important Tips for Elderly People To Stay Extra Cautious from COVID-19

By Child Heart Foundation - April 01, 2020

World Health Organization (WHO) have identified different categories of at high risk people during this time of COVID-19 crisis. Elderly people are one of them,the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to the elderly in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic, warning that disease tends to be more severe among the elderly resulting in higher mortality.

Globally, COVID-19 has impacted several lives and is steadily increasing its reach. While Indian Government has taken stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including nation-wide lockdown, it is also critical for each one of us to follow the protocols and take necessary measures and precautions to break the chain of transmission of the disease.

Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Also, course of disease tends to be more severe in case of elderly due to compromised immunity , thus resulting in higher mortality. People above 60 years of age, and particularly over 80 years, are more susceptible to severe or fatal infection from novel corona virus.

However, COVID-19 transmission can be reduced by taking following measures

Stay at home
Avoid meeting visitors at home
If meeting is essential, maintain a distance of one meter.
Wash your hands and face at regular intervals with soap and water.

Sneeze and cough either into your elbow or into tissue paper / handkerchief . After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper/ wash your handkerchief.

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

Exercise and meditate.

Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.

Talk to your family members (not staying with you), relatives, friends via call or video conferencing, take help from family members if needed

Clean the frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant regularly

.Monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty immediately contact nearest health care facility and follow the medical advice rendered