Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because:

As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection.

Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.

If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

• Have supplies on hand

• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.

• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.

• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.

• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Take everyday precautions

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Take everyday preventive actions

• Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.

• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.

• Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.

• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)

• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people

• Stay home as much as possible.

• Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks

• Have a plan for if you get sick:

• Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.

• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.

• Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick

Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs

• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.

• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.

Community Support for Older Adults

• Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.

• Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence.

• Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19.

Family and Caregiver Support

• Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.

• Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.

• Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.

• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.