The Worst Is But to Come: CDC Updates Older Adults Need to Know About COVID-19

Nov 27, 2021 Others

Like the song says, “It ain’t more than yet.” In truth, the Planet Overall health Organization warned Monday, that “the worst is yet to come,” referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

Six months due to the fact the new coronavirus outbreak, and the death toll has surpassed 500,000 with the quantity of confirmed infections topping ten million. Right here in the U.S., quite a few states recorded record highs this week, such as exactly where I reside here in California as properly as in Florida and Texas. In a June 23 hearing just before the Residence Energy and Commerce Committee, Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus process force, named the next couple of weeks “crucial” for controlling the spread.

Infant boomers want to pay attention. Despite the fact that, details about COVID-19 keeps evolving, one issue hasn’t changed. Older adults are at higher danger of extreme illness and death from the coronavirus. Take note: Eight out of ten COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been amongst adults aged 65 years and older, according to the CDC.

With all of this in thoughts, you may possibly want to consider some of the most recent CDC updates for older adults:

* If you happen to be under 65 and consider you are out of the woods, feel once more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June expanded its warning of who is most at threat for extreme illness from COVID-19, dropping 65 as the age-distinct threshold for when risk increases in adults. To place it just, as you age, your threat for severe illness from COVID-19 increases. Whilst those 85 and older are at the greatest risk, people today in their 50s are normally at higher danger for extreme illness than people in their 40s. And men and women in their 60s or 70s are at greater risk for serious illness than individuals in their 50s.

* pt pcr test near me has updated its official list of COVID-19 symptoms. Warning signs of the illness include: fever or chills cough shortness of breath or difficulty breathing fatigue muscle or body aches headache new loss of taste or smell sore throat congestion or runny nose nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms that require instant medical focus include: difficulty breathing persistent discomfort or pressure in the chest new confusion inability to wake or stay awake and bluish lips or face. Maintain in thoughts, in older adults (aged 65 and older), typical body temperature can be reduce than in younger adults. For this cause, fever temperatures can also be lower in older adults which indicates it may well be significantly less noticeable.

* The CDC also clarified which underlying circumstances are most linked with COVID-19 hospitalizations and death. On the expanded list: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), a weakened immune system, sort 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease and heart situations, such as heart failure, coronary artery illness or cardiomyopathies. Hence far, the leading 3 underlying well being circumstances among coronavirus sufferers are cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

* With the rising rate of infections, let’s speak masks. They have some cool seeking cloth face coverings these days, but which offer you the greatest protection? A single of the most essential options you require are a number of layers of fabric, which are superior than only one particular, Richard Wenzel, M.D., infectious diseases epidemiologist and emeritus professor of internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. states in an report for Consumers Reports. Mayo Clinic agrees that “cloth masks really should include things like various layers of fabric.” A basic rule of thumb is that thicker, denser fabrics will do a better job than thinner, far more loosely woven ones. Flannel pajama material, for instance, which has a tight weave, could possibly be a good choice, Wenzel adds. If you plan to acquire a mask on the net make certain it is created with tightly woven fabric and fits snugly, fully covering your mouth and nose, wrapping beneath your chin as an anchor.

* Staying healthier is always critical, but even a lot more so throughout this pandemic. The CDC recommends that older adults receive advised flu and pneumonia vaccinations, consume healthier, stay active, stay clear of excessive alcohol use, and get lots of sleep. It is also important to study to cope with the strain that comes from a pandemic in a healthful way. Take breaks from the news, embrace your spirituality, keep connected with loved ones, take time to unwind and do one thing you appreciate, and practice deep breathing.

* Federal well being officials are bracing for the fall, when the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the identical time. Final week, the CDC’s Redfield urged the public to be prepared and “to embrace” the flu vaccine. “This single act will save lives,” he stated. The CDC is also creating a test that can simultaneously test for flu and COVID-19.

So, are we having any enjoyable however?

Yes, I realize. This is challenging. We miss our grandchildren, concerts in the park, consuming out, and gatherings with mates. The much more relaxed, devil-could-care attitude lots of are displaying right now can be contagious. Even so, we boomers have to be additional vigilant.

The CDC recommends avoiding activities exactly where taking protective measures could be hard, such as activities exactly where social distancing cannot be maintained. “In common, the a lot more people you interact with, the additional closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher your threat of getting and spreading COVID-19,” their internet site states.