COVID-19 and Older Adults

Whom does the coronavirus affect?

Each of us. Unfortunately, the consequences of this infection vary. In children, it can be asymptomatic or very mild, but they can unknowingly transmit the disease to others.

Elderly individuals are a group most susceptible to severe infection due to the overall weakness of the body associated with age and often accompanying diseases common in older age.

COVID-19 and the Elderly

pandemic COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the elderly population. Current demographic and epidemiological changes require special attention to the elderly.

Age and are the main risk factors for severe forms of COVID. Thus, hospitalization rates for those over 85 are eight times higher than for individuals aged 40-44, and the risk of death is 200 times higher.

Special attention is given to elderly individuals in Switzerland COVID-19. Elderly people who have recovered or require rehabilitation can undergo quality diagnostics and recovery top clinics in Switzerland.

How to Protect Yourself from the Virus - Key Recommendations for Older Adults

Medical knowledge is growing day by day, and individuals at the highest risk can do a lot to minimize the risk of infection.

• Quarantine— 

  it is recommended to stay at home.

   Typical quarantine and restrictions on leaving one's place of residence apply to individuals who are sick or suspected of being infected with the coronavirus. However, in daily life, elderly people are advised to stay at home for as long as possible, venturing outside only when absolutely necessary.
• No handshakes! New ways of greeting with social distancing, shopping, or previous habits should become a habit in the interest of safety.
• Maintaining a distance of 2 meters is the approved distance from another person in a queue or when leaving the house. When someone shows signs of illness (cough, runny nose, hoarseness, etc.), the wisest advice for older adults is to move away from the sick person as soon as possible or significantly increase the distance.
• Wearing a maskis currently recommended in public places. It should be especially used by people with a cold or other types of infections to minimize the risk of virus and bacteria transmission. Older adults often find it difficult to breathe freely while wearing a mask. In such situations, it is advisable to ask someone for help with shopping and other necessary tasks that require leaving the house.
• Avoid gatherings of people Elderly people should pay special attention to places such as buses, trams, large stores, etc. If possible, avoid these places. According to current knowledge, large gatherings of people are the easiest source of coronavirus transmission.
• Only necessary shoppingalthough quarantine can be unpleasant, older adults should limit their trips to stores to essential items. All purchases related to yard work, clothing, repairs, etc., should be postponed to a safer time.
• Shopping hours for the elderlyshopping at designated times helps older adults minimize the risk of encountering asymptomatic individuals.

Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, friends, and society.

It is also important to get a yearly flu shot, to protect yourself and others. Older adults are more at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. We recommend flu vaccination for:

• Elderly individuals
• Family and friends of older adults
• Anyone who works with the elderly, including in nursing homes.

Flu vaccination protects broader segments of society from the flu and also helps avoid additional strain on our healthcare system. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of simultaneous infection with both the flu and COVID-19. Note that the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.