ANALYSIS
Are elderly people at greater risk from coronavirus?
Yes. The mortality rate for the general population is thought to be between 1 and 2 per cent. But this rises to 8 per cent to those in their 70s, and to 15 per cent for over-80s. People with underlying conditions are at even greater risk.
How can we protect the elderly?
Make sure they do not come into contact with the virus. That means anyone visiting them should be very careful about hygiene – by washing their hands and perhaps staying away if they have a cold. But don’t avoid all contact – experts believe this will do more harm than good. It could mean they become isolated, exacerbating loneliness.
Should they avoid crowds?
The World Health Organisation said anyone over the age of 60 – or those with existing health conditions – should ‘try to avoid crowded areas’. Public Health England, however, says this advice is overly cautious until there is ‘evidence of sustained and widespread transmission within the community’, and the Government is keen for everyone to carry on their normal day-to-day routine.
Should relatives stay away?
No – unless anyone has been specifically told to self-isolate. But parents should be especially careful about the hygiene of young children, who should wash their hands at least four times a day.
What should you do if an elderly person is told to self-isolate?
Age UK advises that people stay in touch over the phone, by post or online – for example, by using video chat services. See if people need any shopping or help by running
errands. It is important to encourage people to stay active around the house.
What if an elderly person becomes ill?
Call NHS 111. They should not go to their GP without phoning first. If a GP believes they may have coronavirus they will be tested – either at hospital or at the GPs surgery. The results take 24 to 48 hours to arrive.
How will they be treated?
Most patients are taken to hospital and treated in isolation until the virus has passed. In some cases this can be very quick – only 5 per cent of patients are sick enough to require intensive care. In more severe cases treatment includes life support and can take some days.
Isn’t the risk of infection higher in hospital?
No. Hospitals are safe because infection control has been so thorough since the beginning of the outbreak.
How might the advice for the elderly change?
If there is an epidemic, the elderly could be told to have minimal contact with the outside world because they are such high risk. This would only be during the peak of the disease which may last for three weeks.