During this new wave of coronavirus infections, older adults are increasingly being hospitalized. A new large study in the Journal of Gerontology reveals that symptoms can differ for older adults. If older people you know are not feeling well, physically or mentally–even if they do not have typical symptoms–make sure they are tested for Covid-19 and have what they need to get by.
The New York Times reports that one in three older adults present in hospital with symptoms very different from the classic ones of fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Determining whether they have Covid as soon as possible can help ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their condition.
Researchers studied the electronic health records of around 5,000 older adults with COVID. They found functional declines in 25 percent of older adults. They were having difficulty walking, transferring from their be, and were otherwise weak and at risk of falling. More than one in ten older adults felt forgetful, confused or agitated. Another study found older adults were more likely to be tired, to have diarrhea and to lose their appetite.
These mental and physical atypical symptoms often presented in combination with classic symptoms of fever, coughing and shortness of breath. If you are over 65, do not assume that if you are feeling weak but are fever-free that you do not have Covid-19.
Covid-19 symptoms such as weakness and forgetfulness are more prevalent among people over 65 and even more common among people over 85. Women and Black Americans are more likely to have these symptoms as are people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and dementia. Researchers attribute these different symptoms to differences in metabolisms of older people.
People with atypical symptoms had fewer breathing problems and had less of a tendency to need to be put on a ventilator. But, they are still at considerable risk, the same risk as people with typical symptoms. Like older adults with typical symptoms, they tended to have 10-day hospital stays and one in three died.
If you have COVID, the sooner the treatment, the better. Treatment includes anticoagulant drugs and monoclonal antibodies.
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