Like the song says, “It ain’t over yet.” In fact, the World Well being Organization warned Monday, that “the worst is but to come,” referring to the coronavirus pandemic.
Six months since the new coronavirus outbreak, and the death toll has surpassed 500,000 with the quantity of confirmed infections topping 10 million. Right here in the U.S., several states recorded record highs this week, which includes exactly where I reside right here in California as properly as in Florida and Texas. In a June 23 hearing before the Residence Energy and Commerce Committee, Anthony Fauci, a member of the White Residence coronavirus activity force, called the next couple of weeks “critical” for controlling the spread.
Baby boomers need to have to pay attention. Although, data about COVID-19 keeps evolving, one issue hasn’t changed. Older adults are at higher threat of extreme illness and death from the coronavirus. Take dan stock cdc : Eight out of ten COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older, according to the CDC.
With all of this in mind, you may possibly want to contemplate some of the newest CDC updates for older adults:
* If you happen to be below 65 and feel you’re out of the woods, think once more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June expanded its warning of who is most at threat for extreme illness from COVID-19, dropping 65 as the age-specific threshold for when threat increases in adults. To place it simply, as you age, your threat for severe illness from COVID-19 increases. Although these 85 and older are at the greatest threat, people in their 50s are typically at higher risk for serious illness than people in their 40s. And people in their 60s or 70s are at larger danger for serious illness than folks in their 50s.
* The CDC has updated its official list of COVID-19 symptoms. Warning indicators of the illness contain: fever or chills cough shortness of breath or difficulty breathing fatigue muscle or physique aches headache new loss of taste or smell sore throat congestion or runny nose nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms that require instant health-related consideration involve: difficulty breathing persistent discomfort or stress in the chest new confusion inability to wake or keep awake and bluish lips or face. Preserve in mind, in older adults (aged 65 and older), typical physique temperature can be decrease than in younger adults. For this cause, fever temperatures can also be reduce in older adults which suggests it may be much less noticeable.
* The CDC also clarified which underlying situations are most associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations and death. On the expanded list: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity (BMI of 30 or larger), a weakened immune system, type 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease and heart situations, such as heart failure, coronary artery illness or cardiomyopathies. Hence far, the leading three underlying wellness conditions amongst coronavirus sufferers are cardiovascular illness, diabetes and chronic lung illness.
* With the rising rate of infections, let’s speak masks. They have some cool looking cloth face coverings these days, but which supply the ideal protection? 1 of the most important functions you need are numerous layers of fabric, which are greater than only one, Richard Wenzel, M.D., infectious illnesses epidemiologist and emeritus professor of internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. states in an post for Shoppers Reports. Mayo Clinic agrees that “cloth masks must consist of several layers of fabric.” A common rule of thumb is that thicker, denser fabrics will do a superior job than thinner, a lot more loosely woven ones. Flannel pajama material, for instance, which has a tight weave, might be a superior option, Wenzel adds. If you strategy to acquire a mask on line make certain it is made with tightly woven fabric and fits snugly, fully covering your mouth and nose, wrapping below your chin as an anchor.
* Staying wholesome is usually critical, but even much more so for the duration of this pandemic. The CDC recommends that older adults get suggested flu and pneumonia vaccinations, eat healthier, remain active, stay away from excessive alcohol use, and get a lot of sleep. It really is also important to understand to cope with the strain that comes from a pandemic in a healthier way. Take breaks from the news, embrace your spirituality, keep connected with loved ones, take time to unwind and do something you appreciate, and practice deep breathing.
* Federal health officials are bracing for the fall, when the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the exact same time. Last week, the CDC’s Redfield urged the public to be ready and “to embrace” the flu vaccine. “This single act will save lives,” he said. The CDC is also developing a test that can simultaneously test for flu and COVID-19.
So, are we possessing any enjoyable yet?
Yes, I understand. This is really hard. We miss our grandchildren, concerts in the park, consuming out, and gatherings with friends. The additional relaxed, devil-may perhaps-care attitude lots of are displaying right now can be contagious. On the other hand, we boomers need to be extra vigilant.
The CDC recommends avoiding activities exactly where taking protective measures may perhaps be difficult, such as activities exactly where social distancing can’t be maintained. “In common, the additional people you interact with, the additional closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher your threat of having and spreading COVID-19,” their site states.