Elderly persons with pre-existing health conditions vulnerable to coronavirus

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 12, 2020

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading with a global average 3.5 percent death rate of all persons infected.

It is important to note that The World Health Organisation has clarified that the coronavirus can affect one particular age group. However, it was found that chances of mortality increased with age, with the highest mortality among people over 60 years of age and those with underlying health conditions.

These health conditions can include asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and hypertension among others.

Older people and those who take medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, should ensure they have enough medication to hand.

This can be supported by basic hygienic practices and keeping the surfaces that one often come in contact with, clean and sanitized.

It is recommended that persons caring for severely ill elderly persons must wear protective respiratory clothing and be thoroughly sanitized after.

Elderly persons must keep regular clinic dates and appointment with their doctors and ensure healthcare professionals are informed of any changes to health conditions.

Further, WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand and respiratory hygiene.