Like the song says, “It ain’t more than but.” In truth, the Planet Overall health Organization warned Monday, that “the worst is however to come,” referring to the coronavirus pandemic.
Six months due to the fact the new coronavirus outbreak, and the death toll has surpassed 500,000 with the number of confirmed infections topping 10 million. Here in the U.S., many states recorded record highs this week, such as where I live right here in California as well as in Florida and Texas. In a June 23 hearing prior to the Home Power and Commerce Committee, Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus activity force, known as the subsequent couple of weeks “critical” for controlling the spread.
Infant boomers require to pay attention. Though, information and facts about COVID-19 keeps evolving, a single thing hasn’t changed. Older adults are at higher threat of serious illness and death from the coronavirus. Take note: Eight out of ten COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been amongst adults aged 65 years and older, according to the CDC.
With all of this in mind, you may perhaps want to look at some of the latest CDC updates for older adults:
* If you happen to be under 65 and think you happen to be out of the woods, consider once more. The Centers for Illness Handle and Prevention (CDC) in June expanded its warning of who is most at danger for serious illness from COVID-19, dropping 65 as the age-particular threshold for when threat increases in adults. To place it merely, as you age, your danger for serious illness from COVID-19 increases. While those 85 and older are at the greatest threat, men and women in their 50s are typically at larger danger for severe illness than men and women in their 40s. And individuals in their 60s or 70s are at larger danger for extreme illness than folks in their 50s.
* The CDC has updated its official list of COVID-19 symptoms. Warning signs of the illness consist of: 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 immediate health-related focus include things like: difficulty breathing persistent discomfort or pressure in the chest new confusion inability to wake or keep awake and bluish lips or face. Retain in thoughts, in older adults (aged 65 and older), standard body temperature can be lower than in younger adults. For rapid test , fever temperatures can also be reduce in older adults which suggests it could be much less noticeable.
* The CDC also clarified which underlying situations are most linked with COVID-19 hospitalizations and death. On the expanded list: chronic kidney illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), a weakened immune system, kind 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease and heart situations, such as heart failure, coronary artery illness or cardiomyopathies. As a result far, the leading three underlying health conditions amongst coronavirus individuals are cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease.
* With the increasing rate of infections, let’s speak masks. They have some cool looking cloth face coverings these days, but which supply the greatest protection? One of the most critical options you require are several layers of fabric, which are superior than only one particular, Richard Wenzel, M.D., infectious illnesses epidemiologist and emeritus professor of internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. states in an write-up for Customers Reports. Mayo Clinic agrees that “cloth masks really should include several layers of fabric.” A general rule of thumb is that thicker, denser fabrics will do a greater job than thinner, extra loosely woven ones. Flannel pajama material, for instance, which has a tight weave, might be a good alternative, Wenzel adds. If you plan to acquire a mask online make positive it is produced with tightly woven fabric and fits snugly, completely covering your mouth and nose, wrapping under your chin as an anchor.
* Staying healthier is normally crucial, but even extra so for the duration of this pandemic. The CDC recommends that older adults obtain advisable flu and pneumonia vaccinations, consume healthier, remain active, avoid excessive alcohol use, and get a lot of sleep. It is also essential to discover to cope with the stress 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 a thing you enjoy, and practice deep breathing.
* Federal well being officials are bracing for the fall, when the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the identical time. Final week, the CDC’s Redfield urged the public to be prepared and “to embrace” the flu vaccine. “This single act will save lives,” he said. The CDC is also creating a test that can simultaneously test for flu and COVID-19.
So, are we having any entertaining however?
Yes, I understand. This is hard. We miss our grandchildren, concerts in the park, eating out, and gatherings with friends. The a lot more relaxed, devil-could-care attitude several are displaying appropriate now can be contagious. Even so, we boomers ought to be extra vigilant.
The CDC recommends avoiding activities where taking protective measures may perhaps be complicated, such as activities where social distancing cannot be maintained. “In common, the extra persons you interact with, the extra closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the greater your threat of finding and spreading COVID-19,” their web-site states.