Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 has sent the whole world in a state of alarm. And rightly so too. Health experts and research suggest that corona danger for seniors is high and senior citizens fall in the corona risk group. They are currently the worst affected and continue to be in the hotlist. Here we examine why.
Why Seniors are in the Corona Risk Group
After the outbreak of the pandemic, a study conducted by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) revealed some striking facts. The highest fatality rate at a whopping 5.1% among the 44,672 confirmed cases (reported as of March) was observed in the 80+ age group. This is a clear indicator that the elderly stand the highest chances of getting infected. Here are the possible reasons why there is Corona danger for seniors:
- They are already suffering from old ailments – A majority of the aged are mostly victims of pre-existing health conditions. Diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, neurological disorders are all common signs of the ageing process. This greatly falters the body’s immune system to fight off any external infections or viruses.
- Weaker immunity is to be blamed too – This is an inevitable fact which no science can deny or change. Our immune system tends to grow weaker as we get older. Of course, there are remedies to bolster immunity so that we stay healthy for longer in old age. But the fact remains that among the 60-80-year age group afflicted with Corona, the weak immune system was indeed to be blamed.
What Senior Citizens Need to Know
Even though Corona risk group has succeeded in encompassing the elderly, a lot can be done to fight the virus and keep it at bay from the elderly. Senior citizens must take care of the following to protect themselves in this fight against Corona –
- Wash hands often, even if you’re sitting at home. Try and lather them with soap for at least 20 seconds before you rinse off. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily with your hands.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser to keep your hands germ-free if you can’t get up often to wash them each time. Make sure that it contains at least 60% alcohol content.
- If you have cough or cold, make sure to cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing with a tissue or handkerchief. Or, try coughing or sneezing in your elbow rather than on your hand. Make sure to dispose the tissue in a covered dustbin after use.
- If you know someone around who is sick, especially in an old age home, avoid getting in contact with them, or maintain a social distance of at least 2 metres from the person when interacting with them. Avoid hugs or any physical contact with visitors to your home.
- Disinfect all physical surfaces of your home with disinfectants and cleaners. These include kitchen countertops, dining table, and door/drawer knobs.
Despite the rising corona danger for seniors, we can still fight this together and stay safe in isolation.