Maintain Me is no way trying to add to what is already A LOT of content out there regarding Coronavirus.
But as we now have confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado we feel it's our responsibility to provide credible responsible information to our senior community. As always, it is our desire to help seniors and their families to make smart choices regarding their health that are not based in fear.
A CDC official explains why more risk comes with
age from COVID-19
As the coronavirus spreads in the U.S. and across the globe, it’s becoming more apparent that older adults and people with underlying health conditions are being hit hardest by the illness it causes. AARP asked Nancy Messonnier, M.D., an internist and director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases an internist and director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, to give us her most up-to-date insights on the coronavirus and how it’s impacting older adults.
What’s your best advice for people over 65 in dealing with the outbreak?
The greatest risk of infection is among those who are in close contact with people who have COVID-19. This includes family members and health care workers who care for people who are infected. If you’re 65 and older and live where cases have been reported, take action to reduce your exposure. Know what’s going on locally. Pay attention to recommendations from your local public health department. Also, make sure you have adequate supplies of routine medications, like medicine for blood pressure and diabetes, and household supplies in case you need to remain at home.
Is it true that older adults face an elevated risk from the virus?
Older people and people with underlying health conditions appear to be about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes versus otherwise younger, healthier people. CDC is particularly concerned about these people, given the growing number of cases in the United States.
Older adults experience a gradual deterioration of their immune system, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection. Many are also more likely to have underlying conditions that hinder the body’s ability to cope and recover from illness. People with health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes need to be especially careful to avoid
exposure to COVID-19.
What should older adults in assisted living or retirement communities do?
Right now, we still judge the general risk to the American public to be low. However, those who are older and medically fragile would be at higher risk if there was spread in a community. There are general, commonsense measures that we ask long-term care facilities to do to make sure to protect their residents, and they are the same things that we’ve been talking about—washing hands, identifying people who are sick early to make sure that they get appropriate medical care. And when somebody is sick, trying to keep them from infecting others.
Should children, friends or caregivers stop or restrict visits to older people while this situation remains volatile?
This is when knowing what’s going on locally is really important. What is appropriate for a community seeing local transmission won’t necessarily be appropriate for a community where no transmission has occurred. Communities that have seen spread of the virus may encourage social distancing, with a goal of reducing face-to-face contact.
Should people limit or avoid routine trips to doctors’ offices during this time?
Call your doctor’s office and ask what strategies they’re employing to protect patients. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your health care provider, inform them of your symptoms, and follow their instructions. CDC is also providing guidance to health care facilities on steps they can take to prepare for coronavirus disease.
Will warmer weather cause the number of cases of COVID-19 to drop?
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months, but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with them during other months.
There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other characteristics of COVID-19. Investigations to find those answers are ongoing.
This article was featured at:
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/cdc-covid-19.html?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-RSS---CTRL-030620-P1-4416516&ET_CID=4416516&ET_RID=36681338&encparam=wkysKG5P8%2fXrG29py%2b20OZ%2fGsl2lm6X5g3df6nxsIu4%3d
A letter from one of our community partners regarding Best Practices for Caregivers
As many of you know, we are being proactive with protecting ourselves, our clients and all activities or daily routines we all have. Here are some MUST DO’s for a successful and proactive program while facing any virus, including the Coronavirus.
NO Handshaking. A verbal hello, bump elbows, a slight bow are best.
DON’T touch your face. So easy to do (On average a person touches their face 90x a day)
Use only your knuckle or elbow to push elevator buttons, turn on/off lights, etc…
WASH HANDS, wash hands wash hands (Carefully & thoroughly – 20 seconds minimum)
Use DISINFECTANT WIPES & SANITIZER (60% + alcohol based) when available at stores, any pubic place, in your car, etc…
Sneeze into disposable tissues and discard in trash. Use your elbow only if you have to. Viruses can stay in clothing up to a week. Best to only wear a shirt or pants once, then wash.
Use latex gloves (disposable) when at all possible.
Zinc Lozenges – Use as directed, but they have been proven to be effective in blocking viruses from multiplying in throat and nasal passages.
98% - 99%% of those infected will show signs of flu like symptoms and recover fine. It’s the 1% - 2%, including the elderly, folks with weakened immune systems, lung infections/issues, that are at a higher risk of serious infection from CV.
Let’s pull together and use best practices, starting today.
Rick Cseak
Owner/CEO Home Helpers