Why Do People with Disabilities Need More Precautions Against COVID-19?

Disability only may not be associated to higher risk for getting COVID-19 or having severe illness. Most people with disabilities are not naturally at higher risk for becoming infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19.  However, some people with disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection or severe illness because of their underlying medical conditions.  All people seem to be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if they have serious underlying chronic medical conditions like chronic lung disease, a serious heart condition, or a weakened immune system. Adults with disabilities are three times more likely than adults without disabilities to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities.

You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is being managed.

Disability groups and risk

People who have limited movement or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members are at increased risk of becoming infected or having unrecognized illness.

Also, those who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing, and those who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness may get infected more easily. You should discuss your risk of illness with your healthcare provider.

Protecting yourself

If you or someone you care for are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, take steps to prevent getting sick. Along with practicing everyday preventive actions, people with disabilities who have direct support providers can help protect themselves from respiratory illness in the following ways:

• Ask your direct support provider if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• Tell your direct service provider to: wash their hands when they enter your home and before and after touching you handling tissues, or when changing linens or doing laundry.  Also, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (e.g., counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables), and equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, oxygen tanks and tubing, communication boards and other assistive devices.

Prevention and treatment

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.  The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.  There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

The post Why Do People with Disabilities Need More Precautions Against COVID-19? appeared first on Masalamah.com.