Autumn and winter are approaching, and the COVID-19 epidemic is still happening around the world, posing a higher health threat to the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. According to statistics, 78% of the severe cases of COVID-19 infection occur in elderly people over 65 years old, and many of the complications and death cases have a history of chronic diseases or have not received the full 3 doses of vaccine. In order to reduce the risk of severe illness and death among the elderly after infection, we should Get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to gain early protection.
Dr. Cai Zhaoxun, an attending physician at the Department of Family Medicine at National Taiwan University Hospital, said that elderly patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes were seen in the outpatient clinic. They were repeatedly infected with COVID-19 and had been hospitalized three times. The last time they developed pneumonia; Dr. Cai Zhaoxun emphasized that after the elderly were diagnosed, Not only does the recovery period drag on for a long time, but it is also often complicated by other physical diseases, resulting in the degradation of body functions and a considerable impact on life.
The vaccination rate has dropped, and patients with chronic diseases are at increased risk of severe illness after being infected with the epidemic.
Nowadays, most people do not wear masks. Dr. Cai Zhaoxun is worried that the lack of awareness of epidemic prevention has led to a decrease in vaccination rates. However, in fact, there are still many cases of patients with chronic diseases in the clinic suffering from severe complications after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
As the weather gets colder, people are experiencing more respiratory infections. Because the symptoms are similar, many people wonder whether they have a cold, flu, or an epidemic? Dr. Cai Zhaoxun explained that the current local COVID-19 virus strains in Taiwan are mainly XBB, which has strong transmissibility and adaptability. According to data from the Global Initiative for Sharing Influenza Data (GISAID), XBB and its derivative variants account for approximately 94.8%, most of them are subtype branches of BA.2 and BA.5 under Omicron. The symptoms are not much different. The main symptoms are runny nose, fever, sore throat, headache, cold, sneezing and cough.
Although both influenza and COVID-19 will cause symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, etc., influenza and COVID-19 viruses are completely different, and testing is required to determine which virus is responsible, especially for the recent influenza The epidemic is gradually heating up, and for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, double virus attacks may bring greater risks.
Fight against the mainstream mutant strain XBBofCOVID-19Vaccine is about to be administered. Doctor: Only continuous vaccination will provide protection
Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the most effective way to prevent infection, severe illness and death. Dr. Cai Zhaoxun emphasized that no vaccine can permanently provide 100% protection, especially when the prevalence of specific mutant strains reduces vaccine protection, breakthrough infections may still occur. So it’s not that you won’t get infected if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s just that the proportion is very low, but breakthrough infections will increase with time after vaccination. If you have not received any dose of COVID-19 vaccine this year and have not completed the basic dose of vaccination, you should get it as soon as possible to gain protection; in addition, you should also remind vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with high-risk chronic diseases that due to infection It can easily lead to serious illness, so you need to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect your health.
As the XBB vaccine for new mutant strains is about to be administered, Dr. Cai Zhaoxun believes that COVID-19 should develop like an influenza virus in the future, and regular vaccination may be required to continue to provide protection. Regarding the precautions for vaccination, generally long-term chronic disease medication such as blood sugar medication, blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, etc. are not affected by the vaccine, so there is no need to stop the medication; For blood coagulation drugs, etc., it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance before administering them.
He also reminded patients with chronic diseases to continue to monitor their physical condition and not to stop taking medications at will; the elderly need to pay more attention to a balanced diet, develop exercise habits, maintain a good daily routine and implement personal hygiene habits of washing hands frequently and wearing masks. In addition to being fully vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, the general public is advised to wear a mask when in close contact with the elderly or those with low immunity to protect themselves and others.
(Photo/Dr. Cai Zhaoxun, attending physician at the Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital)
This article is reproduced with permission from “Youhuo Health Network”, the original text isAs the COVID-19 epidemic continues, doctors remind: There are many cases of repeated infections in the elderly with chronic diseases, and vaccine protection is the focus
2023-10-12 08:00:00
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