What is the Coronavirus?
The “Coronavirus” is actually the name for a family of different viruses, and acts as a blanket term for them. COVID-19, the strain behind the 2020 pandemic, is the best known example.
There are a lot of myths around viruses like this, for example, taking antibiotics or eating large amounts of garlic won’t protect against infection.
This guide covers real, proven steps to help protect elderly loved ones from viral illness.
What’s the danger to older people?
It can be easy to panic in situations like this, especially if you have elderly parents with less resilient immune systems.
For most people, a virus like this shouldn’t be a big worry, as the majority will easily fight it off without experiencing severe symptoms. However, older people are certainly at higher risk of developing more dangerous symptoms, analysis of over 44,000 COVID-19 cases from China found the death rate was around ten times higher in the elderly than in those middle-aged or younger.
The good news: the risk can be meaningfully reduced with some simple, effective precautions.
5 Ways to Protect Your Elderly Loved Ones
Don’t Panic
Keeping calm is important for everyone’s safety
It’s important to remember not to overreact. It can be easy to let hysteria take hold and think a situation is worse than it is.
Practice Good Hygiene
There’s more to it than some may realise
Encourage your elderly loved one to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap as often as they can, before or after meals, and whenever they leave or return home.
A Talking Reminder Clock can also help remind those who have issues with their memory to keep up daily routines like this.
Using tissues when sneezing or coughing is also advised, or coughing into your elbow when a tissue isn’t available. Hygiene around the home should be encouraged too, disposing of food waste or tissues frequently, and keeping surfaces clean.
Self-Isolation
When it’s genuinely necessary
If a doctor or official health guidance recommends someone self-isolate, make sure they have food and medicine in stock, or have it delivered to the door.
If they need to travel and isolation isn’t required, a private vehicle is preferable to public transport where infection risk is a concern.
Avoid Visiting Them if You’re Sick
It could have more of an impact than you realise
Visiting an elderly loved one while unwell can spread infection. Most people won’t be seriously harmed by common illnesses, but it’s genuinely risky to pass them on to someone elderly.
There are always ways to stay in touch with loved ones remotely if a visit isn’t sensible, video calls and messages go a long way.
Keep Them Informed
Up to date information is crucial
Share non-sensationalised news reports and official guidance from the NHS or GOV.UK, rather than sensationalised media coverage. It can be hard for the elderly to stay informed of accurate, current information, especially if they don’t use the internet.
Reducing Loneliness
It can also be hard to keep in touch with elderly relatives during periods of isolation or reduced contact. A phone call, video chat, or simple message can go a long way toward keeping them feeling connected, even when a visit isn’t possible.