ByIANSlife Features
March 26, 2020 (IANSlife) Senior citizens have higher chances of succumbing to the novel Coronavirus due to their lower immunity system.
As the pandemic spreads like wild here, the elderly should take extra precautions at home, besides refraining from steeping out of their houses. Dr Vivek Chandel, Wellness Manager at Fazlani Natures Nest, lists down the difference between coronavirus (CoV) and cold and flu and some preventive measures for them to combat the deadly virus.
Cold Flu COVID-19
Incubation period 1-3 days 1-4 days 2-14 days
Onset of symptoms Gradual Abrupt Gradual
Typical illness duration 7-10 days 3-7 days Undetermined
Severity of symptoms Gradual onset of symptoms Abrupt onset of symptoms Mild to severe
Fever Rare Common Common
Cough Mild Dry cough Dry cough
Aches and pains Common Common Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose Common Sometimes Rare
Diarrhoea No Sometimes Rare
Headaches Rare Common Sometimes
Shortness of breath No No Sometimes
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
· Flex your elbow, whenever you cough or sneeze.
· Avoid social gatherings.
· Keep your throat moist, drink plenty of water.
· Drink hot water frequently or herbal decoctions (ginger/tulsi/ turmeric)
· Practice breathing exercises, pranayamas (bhramari, nadi shodhana), meditation to keep your mind and body relaxed, as it promotes healing.
· Take enough rest, so that the body can produce cytokines, a major component of the immune system to fight against inflammations.
· Eat healthy and fresh food, avoid processed foods and animal flesh.
· Expose your body to the sun daily for 20 minutes.
· Include fibres in your diet, eat vitamin C rich fruits and juices (amla/orange/lime) to boost your immunity.
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