In the light of the current news, I’ve been pulled together some simple information on the coronavirus. I’m hoping that this may ease your mind about your loved ones and give you some general information, tips and pointers in this area.
Coronavirus and the elderly
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
However, it’s worth nothing that despite showing these symptoms – it does not necessarily mean you have the illness – it’s similar to the flu or the common cold.
Often viruses that spread easily tend to have a milder impact. Generally, the coronavirus appears to be hitting older people hardest, with few cases in children.
The medical advice for UK citizens who have recently travelled from areas affected by coronavirus is that you should:
- stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
- call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area
For more NHS advice, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ .
What is the worry about coronavirus, particularly about elderly loved ones?
The worry is that this virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work.
The risk to patients with diabetes or heart disease are also known to be more at risk. Both groups depends on each person’s health, such as how long they have had their illness, how often they suffer complications and any other conditions they have as well, such as a breathing problem.
But case fatality rates – the proportion of people with an illness who die – show that the over-65s are five times more likely to die than those in the lowest risk groups. And in general terms older people are the likeliest to have underlying health disorders like these.
Basic rules to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
(again, it’s a bit like treating the common cold)
- Wash your hands with soap and water often and wash them for at least 20 seconds (recommended by NHS)
- Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- Use a hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (NOT YOUR HANDS!) when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
I hope that this information has been of use.
The NHS has two very good information points to help you with any questions or worries. Either call 111 to speak to someone or go online to NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and will advise you what to do.
