COVID-19 in the Geriatric Population

Abstract

The second pandemic of the 21st century, the Coronavirus Disease – 2019, has kept the entire world on its toes. The virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), seems to have an entire deck of tricks up its sleeve. The brash and acerbic disease course has left the entire world gasping. A sour understanding of the virus evolves, our knowledge base at this point is rather nascent. While the rate of infection is highest among the younger age groups, the Case Fatality Rate seems to be five to seven-fold higher in patients aged 65 years and above. With unforeseen restraints and stern preventive policies in place worldwide, the core principles of Geriatrics seem to have taken a backseat. Social distancing might’ve turned into social suppression, and the phenomena of immunosenescence and frailty leave our elderly population with an oligosymptomatic illness, which is, on many occasions, neglected on a personal, familial or even healthcare level, thus, erring on the gravity of the illness. Patients and medical personnel in hospice facilities and long-term care facilities (LTCFs) face unique and unprecedented challenges. With atypical presentations, multimorbidities, and multiple psychosocial facets, the Coronavirus Disease-2019 presents a rather interesting challenge in the care and management of older adults.