COVID-19 in Older Adults - Visionaries Clinical Research

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

The world’s statistics data states that severe progression of the COVID-19 disease is most often in patients suffering from chronic diseases and in the elderly (over 65 years old).
Most people worldwide do not have antibodies for COVID-19 because previously, humanity hasn’t come across this virus. Italy, China, the USA, and Russia have the highest coronavirus-related death rate in the elderly. It is 3-5%.

Statistical Data for Patients with COVID-19

The average age of COVID-19 patients around the world is 56 years.
The death rate amongst the patient between the ages of 70 and 79 is 8%, 80 years, and over — 15%.
67% of patients in the USA are over 45 years.

This data suggests that the new coronavirus is dangerous for older adults. Their body is less capable of fighting the infection. It is crucial to identify the disease and begin treatment promptly. Without it, the disease can progress very fast. Doctors claim that the older the patient is, the more coronavirus symptoms he or she can develop.

Why COVID-19 Affects The Elderly More?

To make it short, the high COVID-19 infection rate amongst the elderly is due to an insufficient number of immune cells (T-lymphocytes). These cells are capable of identifying the dangerous foreigner and attack it. With age, the number of T-lymphocytes in the body naturally decreases. During adolescence, there are 10 times fewer T-lymphocytes than in the newborn. By the age of 50, the T-lymphocytes synthesis decreases by 10.

COVID-19 Symptoms in Elderly

The progression of coronavirus in the elderly has specific features. The disease can be complicated by the presence of numerous chronic diseases in the patient. Coronavirus is not thoroughly studied yet, and the disease progression can be unexpected. It is only known that the elderly experience symptoms for longer than younger generations. Sometimes COVID-19 progresses with erased symptoms due to decreased immunity. This leads to postponing visits to health care professionals and severe disease progression in the future.

Temperature. The temperature is maintained for 3-4 days in mild cases, while in severe cases – 5-6 days or more. However, the elderly do not always develop this symptom. There is data suggesting that fever is only typical for 20% of older adults. And this does not reflect the severity of disease progression and the amount of lung damage.
Cough. The cough is mostly dry. First few days, the cough is not uncomfortable for the patient. With time it starts to progress, strengthen, and takes the form of seizures.
A debilitating cough complicates breathing and supports the increasing sore throat and chest pain. Difficulties in breathing and dyspnoea are typical for the first week of the disease.
Runny nose. This is not a frequent symptom. Usually, it is mild congestion and mucous discharge. There can be a loss of smell.
Intoxication. Tiredness, severe fatigue, body aches, muscle pains.
Headaches and migraines. They can last 1-2 weeks.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
The decrease in blood pressure.
Increased heartbeat.
Loss of balance falls.
Mental disorders (delirium, psychosis).
Memory problems.

Coronavirus symptoms in older adults can differ; each case is individual. Adults that do not have problems with the immune system are better at coping with the disease. Systemic damage to internal organs increases the likelihood of death.

When To See The Doctor?

Older adults and patients with chronic diseases are at the highest risk of developing complications from COVID-19. Ask for emergency help if you are experiencing the following symptoms.

Changes to the color of lips and face (bluish for people with pale skin, greyish for people with dark skin).
Extreme tiredness.
Constant pain and pressure in the chest.
Difficulty in breathing.

COVID-19 Complications in Elderly

Coronavirus infection is often accompanied by exacerbation of concomitant diseases in older adults. It complicates the diagnostics of COVID-19. It is not possible to fight the infection when the body's systems deteriorate.

COVID-19 Pneumonia

Pneumonia in COVID-19 is a lung inflammation that damages the interstitial tissues (structural tissue in the lungs) and alveoli (they lose their elasticity). It induces the formation of blood clots in lung arteries. This inflammation can bring about massive lung destruction (in most cases — double-sided)

It can take place unnoticeably for some time (regular pneumonia does not progress in this way).
The first clinical manifestations can be identifying insufficient destruction of the lung tissue.
Pneumonia without fever, nose congestion, and cough is a frequent phenomena.

Immunosuppressed patients and patients suffering from chronic diseases are most vulnerable to coronavirus pneumonia.

Cytokine Storm

Cytokine storm happens when there is an excess in the immune response of the body to inflammation. Many cytokine molecules are expressed, stimulating the synthesis of immune cells. The immune system starts to attack the viral cells together with healthy ones. As a result, the cytokine storm «eats» a part of the lungs. Other organs are affected as well. The complications are most identified in renal, heart, and brain functions.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This is a very severe manifestation of respiratory failure. It is accompanied by pulmonary edema, violation of external respiration, and oxygen starvation. Respiratory distress syndrome is based on the destruction of lung structures and oxygen transport failure to the lungs. The sharp decrease in the blood oxygen level causes oxygen starvation of the heart and brain, which induces threatening conditions. The death rate among older adults from coronavirus is acute respiratory distress syndrome and total lung destruction.

How Can Older Adults Protect Themselves from COVID-19

Here is a list of recommendations, which are effective in lowering the risk of infection and for prevention of COVID-19 disease in older adults.

Avoid crowded locations. Let the people caring for you buy food and medicines.
If possible, use a personal car or taxi and avoid public transport.
Use a protective mask and gloves.
Keep social distancing.
Do not travel at peak times.
Do not touch eyes, mouth, and nose with dirty fingers.
Do not contact people who might have infection symptoms.
Consult a doctor for any signs of discomfort.

COVID-19 Vaccination for Elderly

Are Older Adults Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

Yes, older adults are vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine has been tested on people with chronic diseases and various age groups, including the elderly. It has been decided that the vaccine is safe, and people in high-risk groups should receive the vaccine amongst the first. There is no reason to believe that the vaccine interacts with any medications.
Treatment of chronic diseases that you receive should be continued as planned.

What Complications Can Older Adults Experience after Vaccination Against COVID-19?

Complications after receiving the vaccination are similar between the elderly and younger patients. What is considered a complication? Severe allergic reactions to the vaccine but are pretty rare. The decision for vaccination is approved after the consultation with your general practitioner.

COVID-19 in Elderly