COVID-19 Fact Sheet for the Elderly

HOW DOES IT SPREAD

The virus is typically spread in droplets when some­one coughs or sneezes.

• To infect you, the virus needs to travel from the throat and lungs of the infected person to you.
• The virus can infect you if it gets into your nose, eyes, mouth, throat or lungs.
• Droplets don’t remain suspended in the air for more than a minute or two.

The virus can remain on surfaces for up to 24 hours.

• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face can spread the virus to you.

HOW DO I PREVENT INFECTION?

STOPPING DIRECT SPREAD:

• Remain at a distance (about 6 ft/2 m) from people. You shouldn’t get infected if you are walking around or sitting on a bench if you are at least this far away from people.
• Stay away from anyone coughing or sneezing, and don’t get too close to people talking.
• Stay away from crowded areas where you are forced into close spaces with people (e.g. bus­es, trains, lifts).

STOPPING INDIRECT SPREAD:

• Avoid touching surfaces or shaking hands with people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you have touched surfaces that other people may have contaminated.
• Wash your hands frequently. Soap and water (for 20 secs) or hand sanitisor will kill the virus.
• If washing hands in a public place, avoid con­taminating your hands after by touching sur­faces e.g. the door to the bathroom.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE 

• Don’t go out more than necessary

• Stock up on medications, toiletries and longer life foods.

• Consider buying vitamin C, D and B12 supple­ments, as packaged foods can be low in vita­mins.

• Get things delivered and left at your door to avoid contact.

• Avoid using cash, use contactless payment in­stead.

• Do gentle exercises, like walking, in areas that are not crowded. This is good for immunity.

• Have people to call for help and advice.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help for things that you need.

• Have the phone numbers ready for key friends and family members.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• A continuous cough (repeated coughing, not just a few coughs)

• A high temperature (shivers or fever)

• Feels like you have the flu and are feeling too weak to go about daily activities

• Muscle aches and pains

• Headaches

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

To save this fact sheet to your device or print, download the PDF:

If you have any of these symptoms, call 1800 022 222 or a GP.

Call 000 for an ambulance if you are having serious difficulty breathing.

Authors:

Dr Dan Deere, Microbiologist, Water Futures Ltd. Pty.

Professor Peter White, Professor in Microbiology, UNSW

Emma Harding, PhD Candidate, UNSW