Older adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Getting very sick means that older adults with COVID-19 might need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they might even die. The risk increases for people from the age of 50 years old…
Why are older adults and those with chronic health conditions at higher risk?
This is because our immune systems grow weaker as we age, which makes it more challenging for older adults to fight off infectious diseases. Chronic diseases are also more common with age and can compromise the immune system, making older adults more vulnerable to serious complications.
How to Protect Them?
-Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. People 65 and older and unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever.
-Even though you are fully vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask in indoor public places
-Heightened infection control and prevention practices, split-zone arrangements, suspension of home visitors, and include practicing physical distancing, and washing hands.
-Testing is an important strategy to detect COVID-19 infections amongst our vulnerable groups as early as possible to limit further transmission.
-While seniors can go out to buy food, groceries, or other essential supplies, they should still try to keep such movement to a minimum and protect themselves by staying at home as much as possible.
-We encourage seniors to exercise at home, keep in touch with their friends and family via phone, participate in online activities.
Even as we gradually lift movement restrictions, we must stay vigilant and look out for the vulnerable amongst us.
* All content published is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.