Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Stay home if possible.
- Wash your hands often.
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (stay 6+ feet away).
Coping and Stress
You may feel increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Watch for fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Develop a Care Plan
A care plan summarizes your health conditions, medications, healthcare providers, emergency contacts, and end-of-life care options (for example, advance directives). Complete your care plan in consultation with your doctor, and if needed, with help from a family member or home nurse aide.
A care plan can have benefits beyond the current pandemic. You can update your care plan every year, or any time you have a change in your health or medications. Care plans can help reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and improve overall medical management for people with a chronic health condition, resulting in better quality of life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, having a care plan is an important part of emergency preparedness.
Guidance on how to develop your emergency preparedness care plan.
Download a fillable care plan form pdf icon[5 pages]
Among adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the U.S.:
8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older
Estimated percent requiring hospitalization
31-70% of adults 85 years old and older
31-59% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent requiring admission to intensive care unit
6-29% of adults 85 years old and older
11-31% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent who died
10-27% of adults 85 years old and older
4-11% of adults 65-84 years old
