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 lock down, 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 elder lies resulting in higher mortality.
However, COVID-19 transmission among elderly population can be reduced by taking following measures:
DO’s
- 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 - Postpone your elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee
replacement - 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
- Do not cough or sneeze into your bare hands or without covering your face.
- Don’t go near your contacts if you are suffering from fever and cough.
- Don’t touch your eyes, face, nose and tongue.
- Don’t go near affected/ sick people .
- Don’t self-medicate.
- Don’t shake hands or hug your friends and near ones.
- Do not go to hospital for routine checkup or follow up. As far as possible make
tele-consultation with your healthcare provider. - Don’t go to crowded places like parks, markets and religious places.
- Don’t go out unless it is absolutely essential.
Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness
of breath. If you have symptoms, call helpline number 011-23978046; 1075.
Wear mask, practice hand hygiene and take paracetamol for fever (avoid
Ibuprofen).
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 call helpline number
011-23978046, 1075 and get medical attention immediately. In adults,
emergency warning signs*:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult the doctor
for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
What others can do to support older adults?
Older people can be helped to feel more positive if they engage with the world and stay
active. Don’t lock them up and try to protect them. Make sure they are not immobile for
long periods of time, watching television for long periods or remaining bed bound.
Identify an emergency contact and keep the number on speed dial of the phone
and also visibly displayed at home.
Identify a caregiver in family or any community volunteer or police to help elderly
by providing them essential supplies and keep a watch on general wellbeing of
the elderly esp. who are staying alone. Also determine who can care for them if
their caregiver gets sick.
Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and
people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their
communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
Provide psychosocial support.
Long-term care facilities (old age homes)
They should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. Identify
Nodal person for COVID response at the facility who shall look into the following
Rapid identification and isolation of ill residents to designated health facilities
Considerations for visitors and consultant staff
Supplies and resources
Surge capacity for staffing, equipment and supplies