The worst is yet to come: CDC updates older adults need to know about COVID-19

As the song says, “It’s not over yet.” In fact, the World Health Organization warned this Monday that “the worst is yet to come”, referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

Six months into the new coronavirus outbreak, and the death toll has surpassed 500,000 with the number of confirmed infections surpassing 10 million. Here in the US, several states saw record levels this week, including where I live here in California, as well as Florida and Texas. In a June 23 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, called the next two weeks “critical” to control the spread.

Baby boomers need to pay attention. Although information about COVID-19 continues to evolve, one thing has not changed. Older adults are at high risk of severe illness and death from the coronavirus. Take note: Eight out of 10 reported COVID-19-related deaths in the United States have been among adults age 65 and older, according to the CDC.

With all of this in mind, you may want to consider some of the latest updates from the CDC for older adults:

* If you’re under 65 and think you’re out of the woods, think again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June expanded its warning about who is most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, lowering 65 as the specific age threshold for when risk increases in adults. Simply put, as you get older, your risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 increases. While people over the age of 85 are at greatest risk, people in their 50s are generally at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. And people in their 60s or 70s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s.

* The CDC has updated its official COVID-19 symptom list. Warning signs of the illness include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; tired; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; throat pain; stuffy or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and diarrhea. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include: shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake up or stay awake; and bluish lips or face. Keep in mind that in older adults (over 65 years of age), normal body temperature may be lower than in younger adults. For this reason, fever temperatures may also be lower in older adults, meaning it may be less noticeable.

* The CDC also clarified which underlying conditions are most associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. On the expanded list: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity (BMI of 30 or higher), weakened immune system, type 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions, such as heart failure, artery disease coronary or cardiomyopathies. So far, the top three underlying health conditions among coronavirus patients are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

* With the increase in the rate of infections, let’s talk about masks. They have some cool looking cloth face coverings these days, but which ones offer the best protection? One of the most important features you need is multiple layers of fabric, which are better than just one, Richard Wenzel, MD, an infectious disease epidemiologist and professor emeritus of internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. he states in an article for Consumers Reports. The Mayo Clinic agrees that “cloth masks should include multiple layers of fabric.” A general rule of thumb is that thicker, denser fabrics will work better than thinner, looser weaves. Flannel pajama material, for example, which has a tight weave, might be a good choice, Wenzel adds. If you plan to buy a mask online, make sure it’s made with a tightly woven fabric and fits you snugly, fully covering your mouth and nose, wrapping under your chin like an anchor.

* Staying healthy is always important, but even more so during this pandemic. The CDC recommends that older adults get recommended flu and pneumonia shots, eat healthy, stay active, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and get enough sleep. It is also important to learn how to cope with the stress of a pandemic in a healthy way. Take breaks from the news, embrace your spirituality, stay connected with loved ones, take time to relax and do something you enjoy, and practice deep breathing.

* Federal health officials are bracing for the fall, when the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time. Last week, the CDC’s Redfield urged the public to be prepared and “adopt” the flu vaccine. “This act alone will save lives,” he said. The CDC is also developing a test that can simultaneously detect the flu and COVID-19.

So, are we having fun already?

Yes I understand. This is hard. We miss our grandchildren, concerts in the park, going out to eat and gatherings with friends. The more relaxed and carefree attitude that many are displaying right now can be contagious. However, we boomers must be more vigilant.

The CDC recommends avoiding activities where it may be difficult to take protective measures, such as activities where social distancing cannot be maintained. “In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the greater your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19,” their site states.

Stay safe and healthy in Coronaville my fellow boomers!