?Information: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
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Older adults, 65 years and older, are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are learning more about it every day. {{more: continue …}}?What you can do …?
- Stay home.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid close contact (6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
- Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
Stress and coping …?Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may result in increased stress during a crisis.?Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.?Things you can do to support yourself …?
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
- If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
- ?911
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration?s (SAMHSA?s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Symptoms …?
- Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
- Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Watch for fever, cough, and shortness of breath.?
Jay Butler, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases at CDC, describes preventative measures to help protect older adults from COVID-19.??
