It is a known fact that anyone who has any type of chronic condition that ends up with the coronavirus such as asthma or a history of respiratory infections regardless of age will be hit hard. It is also a known fact that seniors will be hit the hardest if they end up with the coronavirus.
But then again, why do some seniors bounce back and not need hospitalization and others do? That is because they have an underlying disease that will cause them to become hospitalized.
Let’s go over the 10 diseases that will leave seniors hospitalized if they end up with COVID-19.
Hypertension
Many seniors have high blood pressure and those who end up with the coronavirus will likely need to be hospitalized. Their risk of stroke or a heart attack are increased as well as a result. Other complications can also happen.
Cardiovascular Conditions
The coronavirus is known to be damaging to the heart as it is and the cardiovascular system. Therefore, seniors that have heart failure, cardiomyopathies, or coronary artery disease will be at risk for developing serious complications from the virus. This is why if a senior with any of these heart conditions end up with the virus, they will need to go right to the hospital.
Anemia
Seniors with alarmingly low iron and red cell counts are fragile as it is and if they catch the coronavirus then they are in a more vulnerable state. The virus does damage to the blood cells which is why seniors with anemia must be hospitalized and may even require blood transfusions if enough damage from the virus has been done.
Diabetes
Whether the senior has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they will be hit the hardest if they get the coronavirus. It has been seen that younger people with the condition have had to be hospitalized that had been infected. Therefore, add the age of being a senior to being diabetic will increase the likelihood of needing hospital care.
Cancer
If a senior has cancer, they are at very high risk of developing serious problems from the virus if they catch it. Having a history of cancer will not increase complications from the virus itself. But if the senior is currently on cancer treatments, then they will need extra care if they catch the virus.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidneys are meant to filter out toxins and if seniors either have kidneys that are not functioning at or near their capacity or on dialysis, then it is serious if they end up with the virus. The Coronavirus will have a negative effect on the kidney function and the body’s ability to flush out toxins as it is. Therefore, seniors with this condition are most likely going to be hospitalized.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Seniors with COPD or emphysema or bronchitis that is chronic are at serious risk for developing deadly complications from COVID19. Since this virus mostly attacks the respiratory system it is highly likely seniors that end up with the virus will need ventilation.
Alzheimer’s Or Dementia
The coronavirus has been known to have a negative neurological effect on young people or anyone who has normal cognitive abilities. That means seniors that have either Alzheimer’s or dementia will end up likely hospitalized as they will be hit quite hard with it.
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia affects many seniors. Having too many lipids in blood can increase their chances of developing cardiovascular complications and strokes. Coronavirus increases the chances of strokes and heart attacks occurring as it is. Therefore, this is why seniors with the condition who have the virus need extra medical care.
Obesity
Younger people that have a BMI of 30 or above are also at risk for developing complications from the coronavirus. Seniors are even more at a risk that has a BMI of 30 or above which is why they will end up hospitalized if they end up with the virus.
If you are a senior that has any of these conditions, the ideal thing to do is to stay home and stay safe as much as you can. If you have a parent who is a senior that has any of these conditions, then educate them about how they can stay safe during the pandemic.
