Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

COVID-19 isn’t another country’s problem. It’s here, and we aren’t immune. This is especially true for seniors, who’ve been labeled a high risk demographic. We knew when it was in China only, and it’s true as the virus spread to the United States. So far, around 80 percent of U.S. deaths from the novel coronavirus were people 65 and older.

One reason for this is seniors are more likely to have underlying health issues, like cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Since the virus attacks the respiratory system, it inhibits the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and circulate oxygenated blood. Seniors also may have compromised immune systems or have difficulty recovering from illnesses. This can cause COVID-19 to linger longer in older populations, increasing the risk of complications and death.

The virus is transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets. This means coughing and sneezing are prime routes of transmission. So people should maintain a distance of six or more feet from others, because respiratory droplets are heavy and don’t usually travel beyond that distance when expelled. Maintaining this distance is vital for any senior citizen to remain healthy during this pandemic.

The virus also has the ability of living outside the host, especially on hard surfaces, where it can survive for hours or even days. This is why sanitizing and handwashing are so important. Commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons, are hotspots for viral transmission. Avoiding direct contact with them is crucial. But don’t assume that because you’ve been doing this, you’re safe. Proper handwashing and avoiding touching your face will ultimately keep you safer. We’re all so ingrained in our routines that it can be almost impossible to go through the day without contacting surfaces that potentially have the virus on them.

Anyone receiving treatment for one of the potential underlying conditions which puts them at higher risk should continue their treatment and take care of their bodies. Plenty of rest is vital in giving your body the best chance to fight off a COVID-19 infection. Also, proper nutrition will strengthen you to do a better job fighting infections and preventing illness in the first place.

Early statistics show nearly 40 percent of U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations are people age 20-54. This is quite different than data gathered from China and Italy. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate that senior citizens are doing a better job staying safe in this country, it does depict that what we believed about this virus may not be entirely correct. The best overall practice to stay safe is social distancing and following the CDC’s other recommendations for prevention.

Marcel Gemme’s life is dedicated to helping others find help, and started his career in substance abuse 20 years ago. He has helped countless families find proper rehabilitation and treatment for loved ones. His attention is now on helping individuals find long-term Senior Care and does this through journalism, community outreach and his website ECDOL.org. Excellent Care, Decency, and Optimal Living are what he aims to bring to those looking for care options for themselves or aging loved ones.