The Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the worst disease outbreaks in recent memory. Due to high transmission rates, the virus has had a devastating impact on our everyday life and has affected people of all age groups.
Some of the common symptoms of the Coronavirus are:
1. Fever
2. Dry Cough
3. Shortness of Breath
4. Loss of Taste or Smell
5. Sore Throat
While these are some common symptoms, studies have shown that older adults are at a higher risk of severe complications caused due to Covid-19.
Elders may also display several other “atypical” symptoms as well. This has made it difficult to offer timely treatment and help seniors suffering from Covid-19. Although these “atypical” symptoms are not quite common, we can still try to observe and identify them.
So, here is how you can identify the Covid-19 symptoms among older adults.
1. Dizziness
One of the main symptoms of Covid-19 among the elderly is dizziness. Seniors with Covid-19 often feel dizzy and are unable to stand properly. Due to the dizziness, they find it difficult to walk and may even faint or collapse.
2. Long Hours of Sleep
Another “atypical” symptom of Covid-19 among seniors is an increased duration of sleep. Older adults may experience a change in their sleeping pattern and may start to sleep longer than usual.
3. Feeling Dehydrated
Dehydration along with sudden weakness are “atypical” symptoms of Covid-19 among older adults. While it is important to stay hydrated during winter season, older adults need to pay extra attention to their hydration levels as well.
4. Confusion
Seniors suffering from Covid-19 can slowly begin to feel confused about their surrounding. They might feel like something has changed in their environment and can also fail to identify where they are staying currently.
5. Incontinence
Although this is a common problem among senior citizens, severe incontinence can also be a symptom of Covid-19. Thus, it is important for family members as well as caregivers to understand and manage incontinence among older adults.
6. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a major cause for concern among older adults. However, a sudden refusal to eat anything is also considered to be one of the most common symptoms of Covid-19 among the elderly.
7. Low Blood Pressure
A sudden change in the blood pressure levels can be a telling symptom of Covid-19 among senior cititzens. One of the best ways to keep a check on their BP levels is to buy a Blood Pressure Monitor.
8. Nausea
Seniors with Covid-19 can often feel nauseous and uneasy. They may face trouble while eating, may experience abdominal pain and can also feel like vomiting.
9. Diarrhea
Usually caused due to contaminated food or dehydration, diarrhea is also one of the “atypical” symptoms of Covid-19 among older adults. Thus, seniors must include various nutritious foods in their diet to stay healthy.
10. Anxiety
Although anxiety may not be a direct effect of Covid-19, seniors can often find it stressful to deal with sudden changes in their health. Thus, taking care of their mental health is very important during this difficult period.
So, these were some of the “atypical” symptoms of Covid-19 among older adults. While it is important to pay attention to their health and identify these symptoms, seniors must also carry various essential items to stay safe during Covid-19.
Essential items that need to carried while travelling during Covid-19 are:
Understanding these factors along with identifying common symptoms can help with the treatment or prevention of Covid-19 among older adults.
