M Ziauddin
THE good news is, China where it had all started,
has been able to almost kill the deadly virus with
out any vaccine but using purely administrative measures like lock-downs of various cities and areas under threat, testing on a mass scale, strictly enforcing the precautionary steps, like regular hand wash, social distancing and isolation of positively tested patients. The bad news is, the pandemic is spreading exponentially all over the world with both the rich and poor countries under severe threat, even China as it is now being exposed to imported Covid-19. The challenge globally is two-fold: one is to save as many citizens as possible using administrative methods until the right kind of vaccine is found and; two, keeping the national and global economy from falling into a permanent recessionary phase.
Pakistan is also sails in the same boat. But, a total lock-down of the country seems unthinkable, because we lack the administrative ability to enforce the measure. Police is totally inadequate for the purpose. And it is not advisable to use military force for the purpose. While no one has any control over certain risk factors such as age and while many questions remain unanswered, there is much one can do to prepare and protect ourselves, our families and our communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a dedicated Covid website and people should refer to their national public health agency’s website. Every country is different and reviewing information from our country’s lead public health organization can be extremely helpful and beneficial. Meanwhile, here is a further look at important Corona Virus -related information concerning with a specific focus on older individuals.
As communities plan for possible Covid-19 infections, they need to consider the risks of older people and people with weakened immune systems due to underlying health conditions. These people are at greater risk for serious infection or even death from Covid-19. No one knows for sure why Covid-19 infections are worse for older patients. It may be because as we age, we experience a gradual deterioration of our immune system, making it harder for our body to fight off diseases and infection. Many older people are also more likely to have chronic medical conditions that can hinder the body’s ability to cope with and recover from illness. Possible risk factors for the virus progressing to severe illness may include but are not limited to older age (65 years or older) and underlying chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, cerebro vascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes and immuno compromising conditions. In the US, the current Centres for Decease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance is for people aged 60 and older and people with chronic medical conditions to avoid crowds as much as possible. During a Covid-19 outbreak in their community, they should stay home as much as possible.
With these factors in mind, here are some actions everyone, particularly older individuals, can take: 1. Keep your regular medications and other supplies well-stocked. Given the vulnerability of older individuals and those with chronic conditions, the CDC recommends that people have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case they need to stay home. Monitor food and other medical supplies needed and create a plan in the event that such resources become depleted. For families, know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra to hand. 2. Stay sanitized. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a top recommendation, as is carrying sanitizing hand rubs for the times you can’t wash your hands.
Make sure your home and workplaces are clean and wiped with disinfectant regularly, with particular attention to electronics. 3. Respond to multigenerational living situations. Households, like communities, may be multigenerational, with different people at different levels of risk residing under one roof. Households, therefore, will need to consider the risks of all its members. One important consideration is that many older adults live in homes where other members, such as children, may have frequent colds. Families can institute changes now by not sharing personal items like food, water bottles and utensils. If possible, choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. If possible, also choose a bathroom for the sick person to use.
4. Develop intentional caregiver plans. Older adults may be caregivers or may receive care themselves. Caregivers and care recipients should discuss their preparation plans, including how to stay in touch via phone or email. Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick. Caregivers and their care recipients will need to work together to make sure they do not expose each other to Covid-19 in the event it has emerged in their community or if either is already showing symptoms. If you are a caregiver for someone living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the plan if there is an outbreak.
5. Communicate with providers and those close to you. Now is the time to talk with the people who need to be included in your plan. You may need to ask for help if you become sick. Meet with household members, other relatives and friends to discuss your response should Covid-19 infections occur in your community. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to stay connected to neighbors, information and resources. Anyone with symptoms should follow the recommendations from their nation’s lead public health organization. They should stay home and call their health care provider to inform them of their symptoms. People who live alone should have plans in place, even prior to the onset of any symptoms, for friends, family and healthcare providers to safety check on them and provide help if they do, in fact, develop symptoms or become sick. 6. Keep abreast of essential, up-to-date information. The situation with Covid-19 is changing rapidly. For example, in some areas, China has moved from in-home quarantine and isolation to dedicated facilities for suspect cases and others for confirmed cases. That means everyone should find and regularly check a trusted information source such as the WHO’s dedicated website or their national public health agency.
AARP continues to work with public health authorities to identify specific coronavirus-related issues relevant to the over 50s. Meantime, in this setting of well-founded concern, occasionally unfounded fears and rapidly evolving dynamics, it’s always important to remember your health basics for a strong mind and body: maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes engaging in moderate exercise, keeping a healthy diet and getting regular sleep. Household clusters of Covid-19 infections demonstrate the virus can spread more easily among people living under the same roof. However, with planning, and by incorporating additional steps as more information emerges, together one can try to minimize the impact of the Covid-19. (*AARP is America’s largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.)
— The writer is veteran journalist and a former editor based in Islamabad.
Protecting the most vulnerable
