Coronavirus Update: Older Adults Urged To Stock Up, Be Prepared For Lengthy Stay At Home

A top CDC official said several Americans will be exposed to coronavirus over the next year or so with many people getting sick in the country. The CDC, therefore, recommends individuals over 60 and anyone with chronic health conditions to be prepared for a long stay at home, mentioned CNBC.

“This virus is capable of spreading easily and sustainably from person to person ... and there’s essentially no immunity against this virus in the population,” CNBC quoted Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, who told reporters on a conference call, citing World Health Organization data that studied more than 70,000 cases of COVID-19 in China. “It’s fair to say that, as the trajectory of the outbreak continues, many people in the United States will at some point in time, either this year or next, be exposed to this virus and there’s a good chance many will become sick,” she said.

The WHO analyzed 70,000 cases and, out of which, only 2 percent were reported in people younger than 19. The odds of developing the deadly virus increases with age, especially after 60 and can be lethal for those over 80.

What should the older adults stock up on?

Experts recommend that they stock up on medication, household items and groceries for a period of time.

What else should older adults avoid?

Traveling and taking any cruises to anywhere in the world
Crowds, toughing surfaces in public areas
Close contact with sick people

CDC suggested the following ways to get ready for COVID-19:

Have supplies handy-- if you cannot get extra medications, order them online. Make sure you have over-the-counter drugs and other medical supplies including tissues and masks at home.
Take preventive actions such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes.
Clean and disinfect your home and practice routing cleaning of all surfaces.
If the disease is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and others.
Have a plan for, if in case you get infected.