How to Keep Elderly People Safe from Coronavirus?

The seniors are more likely to get infected with COVID19. Their immune system is weaker than others and due to illnesses, they are highly likely to get the virus. The article provides some information on the reasons and the ways to reduce the risk.

Why the elderly are more likely to get COVID-19?

Severe effects from viral and bacterial infections like flu and colds to shingles and pneumonia are common in the elderly.

Michael Hochman, director of the Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation at USC Keck Medicine in Los Angeles, states, “Immune systems alter with the increase of age, making it more difficult for you to resist infections and illnesses, even if you’re a healthy person.”

As you get older, the body’s immune system response time gets slower, making you more likely to fall ill and have more severe symptoms. It may take longer to get your immune system back to normal because you have fewer immune cells.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other health conditions that elderly people diagnosed with COVID-19 have will make the outcomes more awful, as said by Hochman. In addition to any medical factors that enhance the chance of severe COVID-19 in the elderly, the following can also increase the risk of COVID-19 according to CDC;

• CKD or chronic kidney disease,
• COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,
• A compromised immune system due to an organ transplant,
• Obesity
• Serious heart problems
• Asthma,
• High blood pressure,
• Liver illness

Aside from the mentioned illnesses, various additional conditions may further increase the risk of COVID-19.

Based on verified evidence, by taking appropriate required precautions that have proven to be effective, you will lessen your chances of getting the virus and other infectious illnesses. Below are tips and points that you can do to ensure your well-being and the well-being of those you love.

Covid-19 pandemic tips for the elderly

The following tips can help to reduce the risk of getting infected with COVID-19:

Get vaccinated, at the first chance you got

It’s safe and will help you avoid COVID-19, which is associated with obtaining a bad case of COVID 19. See if your state or city health department and the health system, doctor’s office, or pharmacy inform you of the best time to receive your care and required drugs.

As a rule, you will have to make an appointment rather than just going to a drive-by site (for getting a vaccine). If you have to use an unfamiliar website or mobile app, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Establish an account on the “patient portal” system at your doctor’s office or hospital today so that you will be reminded through it. A survey done by Malani discovered that half of the individuals above 50 have created their patient portal accounts. The percentage is much lower among Black or Hispanic individuals and those with lower education and earnings.

Just because there is a little bit of technology in the way, don’t allow it to stand in the way of getting the vaccine that could save your life.

You should always check with an official source when arranging your appointment. Avoid getting scammed by non-official websites, as some elders have been.

After vaccination, follow all safety recommendations

An important initial step is that the immune system can take up to two weeks to respond to the coronavirus following the first dosage fully. And to be fully protected, the vaccination has to be administered twice at the specified time, which is several weeks apart from the first dosage. Even if you were exposed to the coronavirus as early as four weeks before or after the vaccine, you could still get a severe case of COVID-19. Keep in mind that the vaccine will not give you COVID-19 because it doesn’t contain an entire virus.

However, you remain vulnerable even after you’ve taken your second dose. You are still able to infect other individuals, but scientists are trying hard to find out how likely this event may happen, which is why the following step is really crucial, too.

Ensure that you are physically active

Walking, climbing stairs, stretching, or participating in an exercise class online or on TV might help you keep your mood up and keep your muscles active, even if you can’t go outside.

Sitting on your comfy couch or in front of the computer for long periods of time may be tempting, but remember to break up the time by getting up and moving around, drinking water, looking out a window, or doing a “standing meeting” where you need to stand or walk when you are chatting. Video calling with your colleagues, friends, or family members. It’s important to stay physically active after getting vaccinated or before it.

It’s better that adults would only do the in-person visits

First, you should follow CDC guidelines for limiting the risk of spreading infection while visiting your elderly parent or grandparent. Additional precautions include carefully washing your hands, separating yourself from others socially, and postponing the visit if you feel even a bit under the weather.

Also, it’s better to don’t bring the children altogether for a visit. Discipline and self-control may be lacking in children of the elderly who cannot keep social distance from their grandparents. According to new research by Pediatrics journal, seventeen percent of children with verified instances of COVID-19 didn’t exhibit symptoms. It is in everyone’s best interest to allow the smallest children to visit their family through a virtual visit.

Make a habit of disinfecting frequently used areas

Suppose you plan to prevent the spread of illness and disease. In that case, the CDC recommends disinfecting regularly the high-touch areas such as:

• tables
• doorknobs
• switches
• countertops
• shelves
• handles
• desks
• phones
• keyboards
• toilets
• faucets
• sinks

In addition, they recommend doing so daily if someone is sick or has indicated that they might be infected. According to the CDC, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and those with at least 70% alcohol are generally effective for regular household disinfection.

You should add a gallon of water to one-third cup of bleach so that you can generate your own disinfecting solution. Disposable gloves or latex or rubber gloves are recommended for cleaning only. Wash your hands when you take off your gloves.

You may want to remember your cell phone. According to a published article in GERMS journal in 2017, there is an 80 percent chance of potentially dangerous germs like staphylococci on the phone screen and sides.

Regardless of whether you use a headset since touch screens are featured on most phones, germs can transfer from your phone to your hands, resulting in the possibility of infection if you touch your face.

Seniors and the COVID-19 care

The elderly are susceptible to COVID-19 more than others due to the fact that the immune system is weaker. They might need more help and care. If you can’t provide them that help, Health, and Care Professional Network is at your service to make the best of in-home care services from your loved ones.

We have provided the best of in-home care for the seniors and disabled in Las Vegas for +20 years. Give us a call at (702) 871-9917 to receive more information about the COVID-19 and the elderly and the other caring services.