Covid-19 Important Information

There is plenty of talk of at risk people and how they should consider self-isolation. How do you know if you are ‘at risk’?

People who have chronic conditions that makes them particularly vulnerable to this condition should consider self-isolation. At-risk people include:

  • People 60 years of age and older
  • People with any respiratory illness or disease
  • Immunosuppressed people
  • People with COPD
  • People with lung disease
  • Cancer patients
  • People with severe asthma
  • People who have diabetes
  • People with heart disease
  • People with high blood pressure
  • People who have had an operation in the past 3 months
  • Anyone with existing flu or with a heavy cold
  • People with open wounds
  • Pregnant women

For information on self-isolation, please see the official guidelines provided by the HSE.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Polio Survivors

Some information from our colleagues at Post Polio Health International on coronavirus and polio survivors. While this is a rapidly evolving situation, some facts that are not likely to change are:

  • Polio and the late effects of polio do not, in themselves, cause immune compromise. Therefore, polio survivors are no more likely to contract a coronavirus infection or develop serious illness from it than people who never had polio!
  • Most polio survivors are over 60 years old, which places us in the “higher risk” category with a greater likelihood of developing severe disease after being infected with the virus than younger people.
  • Polio survivors who had breathing muscle involvement with their original illness and/or now have respiratory problems of any kind are at “high risk” when they become ill with any respiratory infection, including coronaviruses.
  • Just as it is for people who never had polio, if a polio survivor has diabetes, heart disease, severe kidney disease, or are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or certain medications, then they are at high risk of developing complications if they contract COVID-19.

What you can do: follow the HSE guidelines to avoid infection —washing hands frequently, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding large crowds especially in poorly ventilated areas, stay home if you are sick, reduce social contact and avoid non-essential trips.

ALONE has launched a COVID-19 support line for older people

Working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE, you can contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

Senior Helpline Freefone

For anyone concerned about the coronavirus please be aware that the Senior Helpline are available to support older callers as concerns increase. SeniorLine Freefone 1800 80 45 91 open 10 till 10 every day of the year. For more information see www.thirdageireland.ie.