Elderly and COVID-19 - M.A.Aleem Neurologist #Trichy #Tamilnadu #India

Elders and COVID-19

In line with international data, those above 60 years of age account for maximum percentage of COVID-19 deaths in India.

Epidemiologically, the elderly population also bears the heaviest burden of non-communicable diseases, leading to heightened vulnerability in the COVID-19 scenario.

The elderly, who constitute 10% of India’s population, accounted for over 60% of the country’s Covid-19 deaths.

Besides, 73% of Covid-19 deaths were among those with co-morbidities.

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 co-

morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease. Also, course of disease tends to be more severe in

case of elderlies resulting in higher mortality.

However, COVID-19 transmission among elderly population can be reduced

by taking following measures:

DO’s

1. Stay at home. Avoid meeting visitors at home. If meeting is essential, maintain

a distance of one meter.

2. Wash your hands and face at regular intervals with soap and water.

3. Sneeze and cough either into your elbow or into tissue paper / handkerchief .

After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper/ wash your

handkerchief.

4. Ensure proper nutrition through home cooked fresh hot meals, hydrate

frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.

5. Exercise and meditate.

6. Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.

7. Talk to your family members (not staying with you), relatives, friends via call

or video conferencing, take help from family members if needed

8. Postpone your elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee

replacement

9. Clean the frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant regularly.

10.Monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty

immediately contact nearest health care facility and follow the medical advice

rendered

DON’Ts

1. Do not cough or sneeze into your bare hands or without covering your face.

2. Don’t go near your contacts if you are suffering from fever and cough.

3. Don’t touch your eyes, face, nose and tongue.

4. Don’t go near affected/ sick people .

5. Don’t self-medicate.

6. Don’t shake hands or hug your friends and near ones.

7. Do not go to hospital for routine checkup or follow up. As far as possible make

tele-consultation with your healthcare provider.

8. Don’t go to crowded places like parks, markets and religious places.

9. Don’t go out unless it is absolutely essential.

The case fatality rate (CFR) seems to be age-dependent, with a higher percentage among the elderly, especially in men.

In Tamil Nadu, the percentage of people over 60 years of age among the total number of positive cases has been increasing over the months.

Government of India and the state government of Tamilnadu is able to manage Covid-19 treatment and reduce deaths better than many other countries.