Symptoms of COVID-19 in the elderly are usually unusual, and fever may not be obvious! Medical reminder: Drowsiness and unconsciousness are warning signs

According to statistics, almost 90% of severe COVID-19 patients are elderly people As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, the fall season of respiratory disease is about to enter In trend which is on the rise, flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be given at the same time on October 1st this year.

Taipei Renji Hospital affiliated with Renji HospitalLi LongtengThe attending physician said there has been an increase in patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms in the past two weeks However, due to the public’s willingness to self-screen for COVID-19, it is difficult to find out is it Patients with COVID-19 are treated in outpatient clinics. However, Dr Li Longteng reminds the public not to ignore it, as there are still many elderly people who have become very ill and even in hospital.

Influenza COVID-19 + will increase the chance of secondary bacterial infections

Dr. Li Longteng emphasized that the elderly are likely to get worse quickly after being infected with COVID-19, mainly because the fever is not obvious, and the symptoms are often non- normal, so they are often overlooked if an elder comes in if asthma starts in the family, the symptoms get worse If you experience sleepiness, blurred vision, or if you cannot tell where you feel uncomfortable, you must seek medical attention immediately.

With the arrival of autumn and winter, if the flu and COVID-19 are infected at the same time, not only will the symptoms be worse and difficult to recognize, but both viruses will also cause secondary bacterial infections. Dr. Li Longteng reminded that if the elderly have chronic diseases, it is more likely to worsen the situation In the past months, many patients with respiratory symptoms have been cross-infected in this way A in addition to throat discomfort, they also have coughs, runny noses, and fever and other symptoms.

Patients with chronic diseases should pay attention to disease control

“Vaccination is the most important way to prevent severe pneumonia of COVID-19,” said Dr. Li Longteng He still meets many elders who are worried about the side effects of vaccination, or feel that they do not need to get vaccinated again after that. They have been vaccinated before. When autumn and winter come, the virus will be more active. It is difficult to predict whether there will be another episodic peak. .

Dr. Li Longteng, judging from the symptoms of this wave of new coronavirus strains, said that there is no runny nose, but it will be accompanied by a sore throat, some wheezing and fever. The severe cases currently seen in hospitals are usually the elderly or patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiopulmonary disease, or asthma. In particular, many elders have several chronic diseases at the same time, so special attention must be paid. The most important thing is that high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases should remember to get vaccinated against the flu and JN.1 COVID-19 to increase immunity and reduce the risk to reduce serious illness.