The number of sufferers and cases of death due to Corona virus infection continues to increase every day. So far, the Corona virus has been seen to cause more serious infections and deaths in the elderly (elderly) than adults or children. Why is that?
Until now, the Corona virus that causes COVID-19 has infected more than 100,000 people in the world and around 4,000 people have died. The most deaths occurred in COVID-19 sufferers aged 80 years and over, with a percentage reaching 21.9%.
If you need a COVID-19 examination for your elderly family, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Why are the Elderly More Vulnerable to the Corona Virus?
As you age, the body will experience various declines due to the aging process, ranging from decreased production of hair color pigments, hormone production, skin elasticity, muscle mass, bone density, tooth strength, to the function of body organs.
The immune system as a protector of the body does not work as strong as when it was young. This is the reason why elderly people are susceptible to various diseases, including COVID-19 caused by the Corona virus.
In addition, not a few elderly people have chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or cancer. This can increase the risk or danger of Corona virus infection. Complications arising from COVID-19 will also be more severe if the sufferer already has these diseases.
Not only causing disturbances in the lungs, Corona virus infection can also reduce the function of other body organs, so that chronic disease conditions that sufferers already have will get worse, even leading to death.
In cancer patients, for example. Cancer itself can weaken the immune system so that the sufferer is unable to ward off the Corona virus attack, plus the side effects of chemotherapy which can also suppress the immune system. Under these circumstances, the Corona virus will more easily develop and cause disturbances in various organs of the body.
In patients with heart failure, where the heart is already experiencing difficulty in pumping blood, lung disorders due to Corona virus infection will make the heart have to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This of course can worsen heart conditions.
How to Prevent Corona Virus Transmission in the Elderly
Corona virus was originally transmitted from animals to humans. This virus can also be transmitted from human to human through the saliva of the sufferer.
There are several steps that the elderly can take to protect themselves from the transmission of the virus that is currently endemic, including:
- Wash hands regularly with running water and soap or hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60%
- Use a mask when you're sick
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Avoid going to crowded places, such as shopping centers, terminals, or stations
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth before washing your hands
- Taking medication regularly for the illness
- Visit a doctor for a check up on schedule
A weakened immune system coupled with chronic diseases can increase the risk of COVID-19 in the elderly, both the risk of Corona virus infection and the risk of this virus causing severe disorders, even death.
Therefore, prevention of the Corona virus in the elderly needs to be carried out more strictly and care at home also needs to be paid more attention. Elderly people who have a fever with cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath need to see a doctor immediately, especially if they already have a chronic illness.
If you have further questions about the Corona virus, both regarding prevention and symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application. In this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital.
