Coronavirus and older adults: what you need to know and how to prepare

People 60 years of age and older are at increased risk of contracting the coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. This virus is transmitted mainly from one person to another. This is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and geriatricians Carla Perissinotto and Samir Sinha say about how older adults can prepare for and protect themselves against the coronavirus. You can download this guide and print it.

Note: Covid-19 recommendations may change as authorities learn more details, so stay tuned for updates from your local health department and CDC.

Take precautions

• • Cancel unnecessary medical appointments.
  • If you need to see your doctor without fail, you can make appointments by phone or video.
  • Designate an emergency contact.
  • Wash your hands frequently (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
  • Use disinfecting gel when you don’t have soap.

Get provisions

• Make sure you have enough food and cleaning and personal hygiene products for a long season.
• If medications prescribed by your doctor are difficult to obtain, consider ordering them by mail.

Travels

• Avoid traveling by plane if not necessary.
• Do not cruise: Cruise passengers are at increased risk of infection.

Health

• Stay home as long as you can if you live in an area where there are infected people.
• Stay away from large groups and buildings with poor ventilation.
• Keep several feet (centimeters) away from people.
• Wash your hands with soap after being in a public area.
• If you need to be isolated, keep in touch with your family and friends.

Nursing homes

• Call staff for information on the pandemic prevention plan.
• If you are sick, do not visit a nursing home.
• If you visit a nursing home in an infected area, get a health exam before entering.
• Find other ways to communicate if visits are prohibited.

If you think you are sick

• Call your doctor before going for an exam.
• Do not use public transport and stay home.
• Call the authorities for more information on the coronavirus.

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