Stay home, stay well: Protect the elderly
People over 60 are particularly vulnerable to severe or life-threatening symptoms if infected with coronavirus.
One of the few facts amid the uncertainty swirling around the coronavirus pandemic is: The highest rate of fatalities has been among older people, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. According to figures at worldometers.info, death rates start rising significantly above the age of 50 (1.3 percent in all cases), to 21.9 percent among those aged 80 and over in confirmed cases.
Medical experts say that even if people over 60 in good overall health are infected, they are more likely to exhibit severe, life-threatening symptoms.
Keep elder people at a distance even if there is no coronavirus patient in the house, says a health expert.
"A young person can be an asymptotic carrier but that can be fatal for elderly people. So, keep distance and, if possible, keep them in isolation," says Dr Md Nazmul Hasan, assistant professor of Department of Internal Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
He suggested it is better to keep aged people in full isolation till the situation improves and if needed elderly people can communicate with other members of the family living in the same house through phone calls.
As people get older, their immune systems weaken, so they are exposed to a greater number of diseases, he said.
"So, when coronavirus attacks, it can become fatal," he said.
As the elderly have regular medical check-ups, during this time they should refrain if the problem is not severe.
"If physical condition remains stable, the prescribed medicine should be continued till a medical check-up. They can also consult with telemedicine for adjusting dosage," he said.
Dr Nazmul suggested that extra measures need to be taken for the older family members. Emphasis should be given on maintaining good habits, including sufficient sleep, healthy eating and exercise, he said.
The medicine specialist said balanced food and proper sleep is a must for them. Dr Nazmul also suggested that older people could pass their time offering prayers, watching movies and those who write, should keep writing.
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