If you haven’t heard already, then you should probably be aware by now that the elderly population is subject to developing more severe illnesses from COVID-19. Since it’s emergence in the UK, we’ve seen an alarmingly high mortality rate – and while many have thankfully recovered, it’s our job to prevent further spreading of the virus. There still remains a high degree of uncertainty and a number of frequently asked questions, many of which we aim to address in this article. Here are some answers based on what we currently know.

What are the first symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets after being in close or direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms develop within two to fourteen days after exposure, with the first signs of contamination ranging from fever to cough, sore throat, and headaches. If you feel that your loved one has been in close contact with the virus, you should call their doctor or 111 immediately to discuss action steps.

How serious is coronavirus for the elderly?

The older you are, the higher your chances are to develop a more serious case of COVID-19. Generally, people aged 65 and above are placed in a high-risk category. More specifically, the elderly population aged 85 and above are most at risk from coronavirus – alongside individuals with pre-existing conditions that take a toll on the respiratory or immune system.

While just 85% of those who contract the virus have mild symptoms, describing the illness as simply a common cold or flu, the remaining 15% are therefore prone to developing severe-like symptoms which includes breathing difficulties, fibrosis in the lungs, and acute pneumonia. Extreme precaution should be taken if members of your household fall into this category.

Based on the severity of the consequences for the elderly during COVID-19, we’re requesting that our caregivers extend their placement until the peak of the virus has come to an end, so we can save lives.

How do you get COVID-19 tests?

Swab tests are readily available from the NHS with delivery arriving no less than 72 hours. Ensure you are wearing PPE equipment when helping someone you are caring for taking the test. The test involves swabbing inside the nose and the back of the throat using a long cotton bud. The finished test can then be taken to a drive-through testing site, hospital, or coronavirus testing pod. You must apply for your test on the gov.uk website within the first three days of having symptoms, with full permission from the testee.

As frontline workers, we’re ensuring our caregivers apply for and take COVID-19 tests before starting their placements, to ensure the safety of high-risk groups.

What is the treatment and recovery time?

Currently, there is no said cure for coronavirus. Individuals with mild symptoms are advised to stay at home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. If you are caring for someone who has developed severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties, they may need extra oxygen and be placed on a ventilator in hospital – you are advised to call 111 should this be the case.

Recovery time for COVID-19 varies. For mild cases, recovery can be as quick as two weeks, with severe cases taking as long as six weeks to eliminate the virus from their bodies.

Are there long-term effects for the elderly?

Right now there are no said long-term health impacts from coronavirus. With this being said, individuals who recover who did not use a ventilator have minimal lasting effects. Those with severe cases of infection may potentially develop some degree of lung damage or ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), and lung tissue scarring. While most cases ‘long term’ effects simply refer to the duration of time having the virus itself, effects post-recovery tend to be minimal.

We’re committed to continue adapting to match the pace of the present virus, to benefit caregivers and the eldery alike. For more FAQs, visit the NHS or CDC website for detailed and up-to-date information.

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html