• ENG

Coronavirus pandemic: Elderly population advised not to go to hospital for routine checkups

Coronavirus pandemic: Elderly population advised not to go to hospital for routine checkups
Elderly population are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and multiple associated health conditions. © Shutterstock

The government has advised the elderlies to postpone elective surgeries like cataract surgery or total knee replacement.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori |Published : March 30, 2020 11:59 AM IST

Globally, coronavirus has infected over 6,00,0000 people and claimed more than 30,0000 lives. Despite stringent measures to curb the spread of the disease, the infection curve continues to rise steadily in many countries, including India. On March 30, the union health ministry reported 901 active COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths in the country.

The Indian Government is taking stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has imposed a 21-day nation-wide lockdown to break the chain of transmission of the disease. The government has also set protocols and advised people to follow necessary measures and precautions to contain the spread of the virus.

Elderly at greater risk

Elderly population are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and multiple associated health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Also, the data shows higher mortality rate among elderlies.

Also Read

More News

Considering this risk, the government has issued a health advisory for the elderly population to reduce the COVID-19 transmission. It advises the elderly to not go to hospital for routine checkup or follow up. "As far as possible make tele-consultation with your healthcare provider," says the government advisory.

The elderlies are also asked to postpone elective surgeries like cataract surgery or total knee replacement. Below are the do's and don'ts prescribed for the elderly people

The DO's

  • Stay at home. Avoid meeting visitors at home. If meeting is essential, maintain a distance of one meter.
  • Wash your hands and face at regular intervals with soap and water.
  • Sneeze and cough either into your elbow or into tissue paper/handkerchief.
  • After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper/ wash your handkerchief.
  • Ensure proper nutrition through home cooked fresh hot meals, hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.
  • Exercise and meditate.
  • Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.
  • Talk to your family members (not staying with you), relatives, friends via call or video conferencing, take help from family members if needed.
  • Postpone your elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee replacement
  • Clean the frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant regularly.
  • Monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty immediately contact nearest health care facility and follow the medical advice rendered.

The DON'Ts

  • Avoid coughing or sneezing into your bare hands or without covering your face.
  • If you are suffering from fever and cough, don't go near your contacts.
  • Don't touch your eyes, face, nose and tongue.
  • Stay away from affected/ sick people.
  • Self-medication is not a good idea.
  • Don't shake hands or hug your friends and near ones.
  • Avoid going to hospital for routine check-up or follow up for now. As far as possible make tele-consultation with your healthcare provider.
  • Don't go to crowded places like parks, markets and religious places.
  • Don't go out unless it is absolutely essential.

Click here for our latest updates on coronavirus.