How to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among the elderly

MBOMBELA – The Covid-19 pandemic has hit South African shores and people in the 65 years and older age group have been identified as most vulnerable regarding contracting the virus.

The disease is relatively new, with the outbreak having started in the latter part of 2019, so little information about it is available.

CareChamp, the home-based care nursing agency, said in a statement, “What has been confirmed over the past few months is that the elderly and those with fragile or compromised immune systems are more susceptible to contracting the disease.”

Those with serious underlying medical conditions and in the 65 and older age group, and living in assisted-care nursing facilities have been identified as being most at risk.

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Similarly,  people suffering from chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, with heart conditions and compromised immune systems, or on cancer treatment, suffering severe obesity, diabetes, renal failure or liver disease, may also be at risk.

Pregnant women need to be monitored because they are at risk with sever viral illnesses, but to date, Covid-19 has not been shown to pose an increased risk to them.

For the aged in particular, there are several ways to stay healthy and avoid transmission of this deadly pandemic.

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These are:

• Stock up on supplies
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often
• Avoid crowds as much as possible
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel
• During a Covid-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
• Prescription medicines and groceries
• Have supplies on hand
  – Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of Covid-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
  If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
  – Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from Covid-19 at home.
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

“In these uncertain times, it is important for everyone to stay informed and educated about ways to stay safe, healthy and help others that are more susceptible to catching the novel virus – Covid-19,” said CareChamp co-founder, Sylvia Klopper.