8 Common Ways to Prevent COVID-19 if you have NCDs
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started last year, we have been told that elderly people (over 60) and persons with pre-existing chronic conditions or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a higher risk of getting infected and having a severe form of the viral infection. Not only that, they have a higher risk of dying from respiratory (breathing) complications.
There are many ways to prevent or cope with COVID-19 in elderly people. Here, we discuss ways to avoid serious complications. The idea is NOT to get infected and keep our immune system strong. Avoiding the infection means taking all the precautions for the whole family and people we come into contact with. Boosting our immunity helps with getting a milder form of infection when we do come in contact with the virus. It is worth the effort to do both if we want to enjoy the rest of our lives with loved ones.
Research is showing that people who lead a healthy lifestyle are less likely to get seriously sick when exposed to the virus. A healthy lifestyle automatically boosts our immunity. By looking after ourselves we also create less burden on the healthcare systems that are currently overwhelmed.
Eight common ways to avoid Covid-19 infections for elderly people with preexisting conditions are:
- Control your condition or disease. Whether it is diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or some other condition, it is best to take your medications regularly, test for control at home, seek help from relatives or caregivers to ensure you have enough medication on hand to avoid emergencies.
- Eat nutritious, mainly plant-based meals. Avoid too much sugar, salt, or animal fats such as in fresh or tinned meats. Use little or no oil for cooking.
- Avoid tobacco use altogether. Smoking predisposes the lungs to infections and weakens your immunity.
- Keep away from alcohol and other recreational drugs. These impair your judgment and cause you to engage in unsafe behaviors.
- Be physically active, even if you have to walk on the spot at home. Deep breathing is good and helps relieve stress as well. Any physical activity helps improve your mental health and boosts your immunity.
- Manage your stress by listening to music, journaling, talking to a loved one, watching comedies, walking in your backyard, and coming up with creative pursuits such as cooking new recipes, sewing, or gardening.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water especially before eating, sanitize anything from the store, avoid meeting others or wear a mask and practice physical distancing when meeting someone who is not in your bubble.
- Vaccinate yourself as soon as possible. When your condition is controlled and you are fully vaccinated, the chances of getting a severe COVID-19 infection is reduced and you may recover quicker. However, remember that prevention is always better than cure.
Support from family members and caregivers is also important. If you have a loved one in the elderly age group or with a pre-existing condition, then ensure that they are safe by taking precautions yourself as well: Get vaccinated, wear a mask when going out to get essential supplies, sanitize all surfaces and goods as much as possible, do not interact with the elderly person after going out unless you change your clothes and sanitize your hands. Soon more people will be vaccinated so that the numbers and severity of COVID-19 will lessen and we will have fewer restrictions, so be patient.
Remember, no one is safe until we all are safe.
