It has been a long, dark year for all of us, but it seems like we found the light at the end of the Covid tunnel.
Thailand kicks off its long-awaited COVID-19 vaccination program on March 1, 2021. While this may sound like the best news we’ve gotten so far in a year of pandemic, the vaccines aren’t yet available to everyone.
Older adults and people with long-term health conditions are among the first groups of people to get the vaccine as they are considered most vulnerable to the virus. While the arrival of vaccines may have given us hope, don’t relax on COVID-19 precautions just yet.
Until the world is 100% Covid-free, you should still keep your guards up. Here’s how.
- Health Guidelines for Seniors
- Health Guidelines for Caregivers of Seniors
Health Guidelines for Seniors
The risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19 increases with age. Therefore, the Department of Disease Control suggests the following guidelines for older adults:
Wash your hands, a lot
Wash your hands frequently with soap or 70% alcohol hand sanitizers before eating, after using the toilet, and after touching surfaces outside of home. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
Eat freshly cooked meals
And always use serving spoons when eating with other.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Cough and sneeze on your elbow, with your mask on, or cover your mouth with a tissue and wash your hands immediately.
Avoid crowded areas
Keep at least a 1-2 meters distance from others in public and replace face-to-face interactions with device-mediated interactions.
Have your prescriptions ready
If you have long-term health conditions, such as a heart problem, diabetes, high blood pressure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or cancer, please make sure you have your prescriptions prepared. Have caregivers pick up your prescriptions for you, if possible.
Keep your mental health in good shape
Exercising, gardening, listening to music and meditation are all good stress-relieving activities.
Health Guidelines for Caregivers of Seniors
Being in close contact with one of the most vulnerable groups makes it important for caregivers to stay safe and healthy. If you are a caregiver, the Department of Disease Control suggests that you:
Monitor your health frequently
Avoid close contact with older adults if you have cold-like symptoms.
Avoid unnecessary physical contact
Keep some distance between you and the person you are taking care of.
Wash your hands frequently and always have your face mask on
We can’t emphasize this enough.
Sources:
Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health
Nikkei Asia