Why is it difficult for the elderly to fight Covid-19?

People aged 60 and over are called the elderly. The natural law causes their whole body to age, from the musculoskeletal system to important organs such as the lungs, heart, vascular system, and respiratory system. Weak resistance, the immune system is "indifferent" to invading pathogens. The body's ability to adapt to changes in weather, environment, and improper nutrition makes it susceptible to underlying diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

When young and in good health, viruses, bacteria, and fungi cannot invade and cause disease in the respiratory organs because they are blocked by protective barriers in the nose and throat, surrounded by the lungs, and expelled by strong coughing and spitting reflexes. When the respiratory system ages, the body's protective barriers in the nose and throat respond very poorly, viruses and bacteria easily invade and cause disease in the lower respiratory tract including the bronchi and lungs. The chest wall's ability to expand and contract is reduced, lung capacity is reduced, and cough reflex and cough force are reduced, so they are weakened against viruses and bacteria or cannot surround and expel pathogens.

Therefore, the elderly have difficulty resisting infectious diseases from the community, especially respiratory diseases and Covid-19. A study at the Central Geriatric Hospital showed that people over 60 years old have an average of 2.6 diseases, and those over 80 years old have an average of 6.8 diseases. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 epidemic tends to spread, causing acute respiratory infections and severe complications for people over 60 years old.

SoWhat should the elderly do to reduce the risk of infection?Respiratory diseases and Covid-19?

First, the elderly need to improve their physical condition and properly, adequately, and effectively treat underlying diseases, such as controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and maintaining stable cardiovascular diseases...

Regarding nutrition, the elderly should pay attention to eating enough nutrients and avoid following a strict diet because it will cause the body to lack nutrients and weaken the immune system. Actively supplement enough 1.5-2 liters of water daily, should not drink too much water and at night before going to bed.

The elderly, those with weak health, many underlying diseases or those with underlying diseases that have not been treated stably should also limit going out when the weather is too cold or too hot, when the weather changes and the Covid-19 epidemic is currently breaking out. In addition, pay attention to keeping the living environment ventilated, regularly opening windows but also avoiding direct wind.

If they have to go out, the elderly should avoid crowded places in small spaces, use masks, dry tissues to prevent coughing and spitting, and use quick-acting hand sanitizer to wash their hands regularly.

In case of health problems, you can take care of yourself at home under the guidance of commune or ward health workers if the illness is mild and only go to a medical facility when you have a serious illness that requires monitoring, treatment or emergency care. Medical facilities should consider providing medication to treat chronic diseases at least once every 2 months to reduce the burden, helping the elderly not to have to travel much, avoiding Covid-19 infection or respiratory diseases.

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