The CDC defines several categories that are at higher risk if/when they contract COVID-19. The main categories listed on the CDC’s website are older adults, people with asthma, and people with HIV. It is possible to be in more than one high-risk category. In order to keep you informed, we’ve compiled the latest CDC recommendations for older adults and people with asthma. When in doubt, practice social distancing and consistent hand-washing. If you feel like you have been exposed, plan to self-isolate for 14 days.

Older Adults

Adults aged 65 years or older are deemed more at risk by the CDC. An estimated 31-70 percent of adults 85 years or older that were diagnosed with Coronavirus required hospitalization. An estimated 31-59 percent of adults aged 65-84 that were diagnosed with Coronavirus required hospitalization. If you have a serious medical condition, wash your hands often and avoid close contact. The CDC recommends a six-foot distance. You should definitely distance yourself from others if you notice a rise in COVID-19 cases in your community. Clean and disinfect any frequently touched surfaces. Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel. Following this specific guideline is becoming very easy as airlines are cutting back on flights both domestically and internationally. Always call your healthcare professional should you have any questions or concerns. They can point you in the right direction.

This pandemic can also cause increased stress and fear among older adults. The CDC recommends taking frequent breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news. While it is important to stay informed on this situation, know your own limits and take care of your mental health. The CDC also recommends taking care of your body by eating healthy, getting out and exercising (while still social distancing, of course), and getting plenty of sleep. Also, talking with people you trust about your feelings will help you navigate the uncertainty and give you a strong support system.

People with Asthma

The CDC says that people with asthma may be at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. The virus affects the respiratory tract, which can cause an asthma attack. This could lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. Since there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, the best way to avoid risk is to avoid being exposed to the virus. If you haven’t already, stock up on supplied and plan to social distance for an extended period of time. Recruit people you trust to pick up necessary supplies for you if the need arises. Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. If someone in your home is sick, they should stay separate from the rest of the household to reduce the probability of contracting the virus. You should also avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.

The CDC also recommends following your Asthma Action Plan. Take your medication as prescribed and know how to use your inhaler. You should also avoid your asthma triggers, if possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about an emergency supply of your medications, just in case your self-quarantine or social distancing goes on for a prolonged period of time.

What to do if COVID-19 is spreading in your community:

If an outbreak is occurring in your area, stay home as much as possible. Investigate ways to get your supplies that require as little human contact as possible. This could be through a delivery service or family members and friends who can make drop-offs.

The CDC defined an outbreak as when a large number of people suddenly get sick.

Make a plan for if you get sick. Know who you can contact should you get sick and know who can help care for you. Have someone who can help you if your caregiver catches the virus. Know the symptoms of COVID-19. If you should get sick, call your doctor.

The potential symptoms of COVID-19 are as follows: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In adults, there are a few emergency warning signs you should be aware of: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face.

Finally, there are some ways that people can support the at-risk population. If you feel sick, don’t go out into public and don’t visit family members who are in those at-risk populations. If you have a loved one who is at a higher risk, be prepared should they need your help. The CDC has a wealth of information available regarding COVID-19 and it is updated with any new developments.

For more information and up-to-date developments, look here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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Active Wealth Management is a private wealth management firm located in Atlanta, GA. Our team is passionate about educating clients in order to empower them to invest and retire successfully and we believe in managing our client’s assets actively. Active Wealth Management works with three primary groups of people; pre-retirees, retirees, and business owners.

Active Wealth Management is led by our Founder and President, Ford Stokes, and by our Senior Vice President, Brandy Seats. They aim to help clients understand their current financial situation, analyze their current portfolio, and develop a customized financial plan to accomplish their goals. If you would like more information about the firm, please visit our website, https://activewealth.com, or call our office at (770) 685-1777. You will not be passed off to another advisor. You will meet with either Ford or Brandy. You can schedule directly into their calendars at https://activewealth.com/consult/.