Are you aware that older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions like chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, and diabetes are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19? If your parent or another relative is an older adult or has a serious underlying medical condition, they should be aware of preparations to take.
Older adults are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you or those you care for are at higher risk for severe illness, you should:
Stay at home if possible
Keep away from others who are sick
Limit close contact with others
Take everyday preventive actions: wash hands often and avoid touching face, nose, and eyes
Have over-the-counter medicines, medical supplies (like tissues), and extra necessary prescriptions
Have extra household items and groceries on hand
Make a plan for what to do if they get sick
Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often
Consult with their healthcare provider if they have symptoms of COVID-19
Among adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the U.S.:
Estimated percent requiring hospitalization
31-70% of adults 85 years old and older
31-59% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent requiring admission to intensive care unit
6-29% of adults 85 years old and older
11-31% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent who died
10-27% of adults 85 years old and older
4-11% of adults 65-84 years old
8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older
To learn more, click here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html