COVID-19 Update Higher Risk Seniors How to Protect Yourself

covid-19 senior care, care for senior citizens coronavirus, corona virus

Current Stats: 8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older

 

Among adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the U.S.:

  • Estimated percent requiring hospitalization
  • 31-70% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 31-59% of adults 65-84 years old
  • Estimated percent requiring admission to intensive care unit
  • 6-29% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 11-31% of adults 65-84 years old
  • Estimated percent who died
  • 10-27% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 4-11% of adults 65-84 years old

 

What are Symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Watch for fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

 

Older Adults

Older adults, 65 years and older, are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are learning more about it every day.

What you can do?

  1. Stay home.
  2. Wash your hands often.
  3. Avoid close contact (6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick.
  4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
  5. Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  6. Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.

 

Stress and Coping

Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may result in increased stress during a crisis.

Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.

 

Things you can do to support yourself:

  1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  5. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
  6. If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911
  7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

 To learn more see:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications/older-adults.html

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