Is Your Elderly Loved One High-Risk for Contracting Covid-19?

By Gauthier Family Home Care | April 8, 2020 | Comments Off on Is Your Elderly Loved One High-Risk for Contracting Covid-19?

Covid-19 is a disease that is ravaging the world. The United States has already seen hundreds of thousands of cases of this virus. With this being said, while everyone needs to stay calm, it is important to know who is at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. Those who are at a higher risk should do even more to avoid being around people, especially in crowds. They should also stay at home as much as possible and thoroughly wash their hands throughout the day.

65 and Older

Elderly Care Comstock Park, MI: Contracting Covid-19

Is your elderly loved one 65 years of age or older? If so, they are put into a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. Those who are 65 and older should avoid people who are sick and those who are not. Even those who aren’t sick could be carrying the virus. By minimalizing the exposure to other people, your elderly loved one can lower the risk of getting sick.

Chronic Lung Disease

Does your elderly loved one have a chronic lung disease? If so, they are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. For instance, if your elderly loved one has COPD, asthma, or any other respiratory condition, this could not only increase the chances of them getting the coronavirus, but increase the complications they have after getting the virus.

Heart Conditions

If your elderly loved one has any major heart conditions, this could increase their risk of contracting and getting sick from the coronavirus, as well. If your elderly loved one does have severe heart issues, be sure they practice all the necessary social distancing measures. They should also avoid going into town at all costs. They can have items delivered to them or have someone else pick things up in town for them.

Immunocompromised

Is your elderly loved one immunocompromised? This could be the case if they have gotten treatment for cancer, smoked, had an organ or bone marrow transplant, have an immune deficiency, have AIDS or HIV, or have used corticosteroids for a long time. If your elderly loved one is immunocompromised, they need to practice social distancing, proper handwashing, and limit traveling outside of their home.

Other Factors

Your elderly loved one may also be high-risk for contracting Covid-19 if they are severely obese, have diabetes, have chronic kidney disease, or have liver disease. If your loved one has these conditions, be sure they avoid other people as much as possible to reduce their risk of being exposed to this virus.

These are some of the things that may put your elderly loved one at high-risk of getting Covid-19. If your loved one has any of these conditions, work with their elderly care provider to reduce their risk of getting this virus through social distancing and other preventative measures.

 

If you or someone you know needs help with elderly care in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/respiratory-diseases

https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/coronavirus-covid-19-resources

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