Health Advisory for Elderly Population of India during COVID19 Pandemic

Globally, COVID-19 has impacted several lives and is steadily increasing its

reach. While Indian Government has taken stringent actions to contain the spread of

COVID-19, including nation-wide lockdown, it is also critical for each one of us to

follow the protocols and take necessary measures and precautions to break the

chain of transmission of the disease.

Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their

decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated co-

morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease. Also, course of disease tends to be more severe in

case of elderlies resulting in higher mortality.

However, COVID-19 transmission among elderly population can be reduced

by taking following measures:

DO’s

1. Stay at home. Avoid meeting visitors at home. If meeting is essential, maintain

a distance of one meter.

2. Wash your hands and face at regular intervals with soap and water.

3. Sneeze and cough either into your elbow or into tissue paper / handkerchief .

After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper/ wash your

handkerchief.

4. Ensure proper nutrition through home cooked fresh hot meals, hydrate

frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.

5. Exercise and meditate.

6. Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.

7. Talk to your family members (not staying with you), relatives, friends via call

or video conferencing, take help from family members if needed

8. Postpone your elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee

replacement

9. Clean the frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant regularly.

10.Monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty

immediately contact nearest health care facility and follow the medical advice

rendered