On Point with Juandolyn Stokes welcomed Dr. Eliza Chin, Executive Director of the American Medical Women’s Association to remind listeners that COVID-19 remains a serious threat to individuals who are 50 years of age and older and especially those who present with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer, mental health, obesity, asthma and other health conditions.
“Covid-19 is still a significant public health threat, " said Chin.
The risk for severe COVID-19 dramatically increases with age making death 25 times higher for people 50-64 years-old and 60 times higher for people 65-75 years old, according to the American Medical Women’s Association.
Chin adds, it is important to get tested to know steps to take to see if you are a candidate for treatment and to know if you have COVID-19 or something else to protect yourself and others.
It is important to note that treatment is not a substitute for vaccinations, but they are safe and effective in helping reduce the severity of COVID-19, hospitalization, or death.
Equally important is those with respiratory illnesses this season should be prepared with a plan of action because antivirals are most effective within the first few days of infections and they can only be prescribed by a doctor.
If you are infected with COVID-19, remember to isolate appropriately, let other people know, and follow protocols for self-testing, says Chin.