Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Elderly and people with comorbidities (comorbidities) must be more vigilant in the midst of a pandemic so as not to be infected with the Covid-19 virus. A fatal risk can occur when both groups are exposed Covid-19. The community must also be able to protect the elderly and comorbidities from being exposed to Covid-19.
The Covid-19 Handling Task Force even said, 80% of Covid-19 deaths actually occurred in the elderly and comorbidities. Sally Aman Nasution, a medical expert from the Task Force for the Indonesian Internal Medicine Specialist Association (PAPDI), also confirmed that 80% of Covid-19 deaths occurred in the elderly and comorbidities.
“The death rate began to increase in the age group over 45 years, but the most prominent was from 60 years and over,” he said in Jakarta, Monday (26/10/2020).
Seeing the fact that population groups at that age and comorbidity need to be maintained in order to avoid transmission of Covid-19. Less outside contact and interaction or staying at home is the best and safest way for them. But keep in mind, prevention must be a priority because people with comorbidities and the elderly are very vulnerable.
Sally explained, the immune system and the immune system from infancy to adulthood to elderly people over 60 years have different phases.
For the elderly 60 or 65 years and over the function of the organs of the body will be different. There is a decrease in the functioning capacity of the heart, lungs, digestion, including the immune system. As you get older, your immune system will decline. It is better to keep your body in good condition not to get infected. Likewise with comorbidities, in the midst of a pandemic they have to maintain their health and consume drugs regularly.
In other countries apart from Indonesia, the elderly and comorbid conditions are not much different. Complementary diseases in Covid-19 patients include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, heart and lung conditions, which are the top five comorbidities, if exposed to Covid, the conditions are heavier.
“How to avoid them, they have to be controlled. For example, routinely taking drugs for high blood pressure, and diabetes people must keep their blood sugar levels stable, as well as other comorbidities,” he explained.
In addition, the elderly and comorbidities are also obliged to apply 3M movement and reduce contact and outdoor activity.
Consultation Online
The first two months of the pandemic, he added, doctors forbade comorbid patients from coming to the hospital except for the emergency department. However, more than two months of course the patient needs to be controlled and see a doctor. Of course, the choice of patient can come with strict health protocols. It should also be considered if you have to take public transportation, keep your distance in the hospital. Another option is telemedicine or consultation online without having to come to the hospital.
“If there is an online consultation option, we will prioritize old patients and have medical records,” he said.
Meanwhile, if in one house there are family members who are positive for Covid-19 without symptoms, it is better if independent isolation should not be done in a home where there are elderly people and comorbidities. Self-isolation is carried out in a special place prepared by the government.
It must also be remembered that the understanding of 3M starts with the family, only after that it moves to the community. For other people, maintaining the immune system must be done by exercising and eating nutritious food. If you are exercising outside the house, you still have to keep your distance and avoid the crowd.
Meanwhile, for the elderly in nursing homes, visits during the pandemic should be eliminated.
“Ideally there will be no visits, just like in the hospital, there are no visiting hours during the pandemic to avoid transmission. Because it is impossible to do so. rapid test to every visitor, “he said.
Source: BeritaSatu.com
– .
