New health advisory: 50 years and above more vulnerable to contract COVID-19

Wed, Jul 1, 2020
By publisher
7 MIN READ

Health

THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has issued a new health advisory on the coronavirus, COVID-19 stating that people who are 50 years and above are more vulnerable to contracting the disease.

According to the NCDC advisory issued on Wednesday, July 1,  based on current knowledge of COVID-19, the category of people considered vulnerable and at high-risk of complications from the virus infection are persons aged 50 years and older (with or without underlying illnesses); persons with critical underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, liver disease, moderate to severe asthma etc.; Other persons who have been assessed as vulnerable, based on clinical assessment.

It stated that the advisory will be updated frequently to reflect new information and research emerging on the disease and its impact on this group of people.

The vulnerable groups include the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

The NCDC said that the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified n humans. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“This is an advisory on COVID-19 for people who are deemed vulnerable, because they are at a considerably higher risk of having complications from the disease. It is important that people with underlying health immuno-compromised conditions take extra precautions to protect themselves, due to their weakened immune system which puts them at a higher risk of infection.

“This advisory will be updated frequently to reflect new information and research emerging on the disease and its impact on vulnerable populations.

“Based on current knowledge of the disease, the following category of people are considered vulnerable and at high-risk of complications from COVID-19;

  • Persons aged 50 years and older (with or without underlying illnesses)
  • Persons with critical underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, lung

disease, liver disease, moderate to severe asthma etc.

  • Other persons who have been assessed as vulnerable, based on clinical assessment”

 

It listed the the symptoms of COVID-19 as cough, shivering /shaking (chills); body pain; Headache; sore throat; recent loss of taste or smell; difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath; diarrhoea/abdominal pain; runny nose/catarrh; fatigue (tiredness).

 

The spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when there is close contact (less than 2 metres)

with an infected person. The risk increases the longer one has close contact with an infected person.

 

There are two routes by which people could become infected:

  • Secretions can be directly transferred into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (within

2 metres) or could be inhaled into the lungs

  • It is also possible that someone may become infected by touching a surface or object such as a

doorknob that has been contaminated with respiratory secretions, and then touching their own

mouth, nose, or eyes.

 

In order to protect self from COVID-19, if you or a loved one is in the category of vulnerable populations, there is a higher risk of complications

from a COVID-19 infection. However, there are measures that can be taken to limit possible infection.

These include: using non-contact greetings (even with family members); washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer, if no water and soap is available; avoiding contact with anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19; avoiding non-essential outings and visitors. If you must go out, always wear a face mask in public and maintain at least two metres (5 feet) of physical distance between yourself and other

individuals; ensure you have an adequate supply of the medication needed to manage your condition while

you stay at home.

 

If possible, consider having your medicines, groceries and essential items delivered to your home

by a designated family member, friend, or delivery person who complies with recommended

measures including physical distancing, face mask use and frequent hand hygiene.

 

Avoiding large gatherings and crowded spaces such as open markets, crowded supermarkets,

and pharmacies

 

If you have to work, discussing and agreeing your options with your employer to enable you work

from home or make changes within the office space to keep you and your colleagues protected.

 

In addition to the aforementioned preventive measures, the following are important if you live in a

shared house or flat:

  • Ensure that if you do share a toilet and bathroom with others, they are cleaned after each use.

Where possible, consider drawing up a rota for bathing, and you use the bathroom first at the

start of each day

  • Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water by all other household members and

disinfect frequently touched surfaces e. g door handles, light switches, TV remotes etc. throughout

the day

  • Keep shared spaces well ventilated and minimise the time spent in shared enclosed spaces, such

as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas

  • Where possible, sleep in a different bed and endeavour to maintain physical distancing even

within the household

  • Do not share towels and beddings or use commonly shared household items including cutlery,

drinking cups etc.

 

What should you do if you develop symptoms of COVID-19?

Immediately call your state helpline and a close family member if you develop symptoms of COVID-19,

or believe you have been a close contact of a confirmed case. The State Ministry of Health supported

by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, will arrange for sample collection, testing and

NCDC Toll-free Number: 0800 9700 0010 SMS: 0809 955 5577 WhatsApp: 0708 711 0839

@NCDCgov covid19.ncdc .gov.ng info@ncdc .gov.

 

Ccommunicate results. Please avoid self-medication.

If you live alone, it is important that you keep a folder on your medical condition (if any), with

emergency contact details, blood genotype, blood group, a list of the medications you are taking

(including dose and frequency) and details of any medication you might react adversely to.

 

If your COVID-19 test comes out positive, your care should be managed in a designated state health

facility, enabling your health to be constantly monitored, especially if you have an underlying health

condition.

 

What can you do to keep your spirits up during this period?

Your emotional and mental health is important, as sometimes you may feel stressed, lonely or anxious.

However, it is important that you stay safe to protect yourself and your loved ones. Below are some

recommended activities:

  • Spend time in open areas when there are fewer people around
  • Use support you might have through your friends, family and other networks to share your highs

and lows

  • If you live alone, use your phone, teleconferencing platforms etc. to stay socially connected
  • Ensure you stay physically active, staying hydrated and eat a healthy diet with fruit and vegetables
  • Use your medications as prescribed by your doctor and make arrangements with your health

facility to ensure your routine/essential medical appointments are not disrupted

How do I stay safe if I am caring for a vulnerable person?

If you are caring for a vulnerable person, ensure you also take adequate measures to reduce the risk

of getting infected or infecting the person you are caring for. Some of the measures you can take

include:

  • Wearing a face mask if caring for a person with a chronic medical condition
  • Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, if no soap

and water is available

  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Dispose used tissue in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

  • Whenever possible, maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres (5feet), when personal

contact is not necessary

  • Staying home if you are unwell or are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. If within the

same household, adhere strictly to self -isolation guidelines

  • Reducing the need to go out as much as possible, and when you go out maintaining a physical

distance from others, ensuring you wear a face mask

  • Being a caregiver may be stressful. Ensure to look after your mental and physical wellbeing

– July 01, 2020 @ 16:35 GMT

 

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