Recommendations for the Elderly and Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases in the Gradual Alleviation of COVID-19 Restrictions
Based on available data on the new coronavirus, it is considered that the elderly and people with chronic diseases have a higher risk of developing a more severe form of COVID-19. Therefore, the following prevention measures are recommended for citizens of these vulnerable groups.
The elderly and people with chronic diseases should adhere to the same general protection measures as the general population, noting that they should continue to use all the therapy recommended so far on the advice of a doctor.
The most effective general prevention measures are the following:
- Hand washing. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for about 20 seconds or rub them with products containing 70% alcohol if it is not possible to wash your hands.
- Touching a face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as this way the virus can enter the body.
- Sneezing / coughing. Maintain air hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue that you will immediately throw in the trash can with a lid.
- Face masks. Wearing a face mask is recommended. Hand hygiene (washing or disinfection) is mandatory before and after removing the mask from the face.
- Personal hygiene. It is especially important to maintain personal hygiene, as well as the hygiene of your environment.
- Space hygiene. Maintain the hygiene of your apartment / house by periodically wiping surfaces that are frequently touched with your hands with a surface disinfectant that is normally used in the household, with regular ventilation. - Physical distance. When in contact, keep a distance of at least two meters from other people.
- Recommendations for the elderly and chronically ill. We recommend that people over the age of 65 and people with chronic non-communicable diseases avoid visiting and entering crowded public areas or places. This includes public transport during periods of the highest daily crowds and public gatherings, but also trips to shops during periods when the highest daily attendance is expected.
- Help from family and acquaintances. If possible, older people should stay in their homes and apartments and, if necessary, seek help from family, neighbors, friends
- Telephone consultation with a doctor. We recommend that you consult a doctor by phone before going to an outpatient clinic or hospital - Useful Websites. The situation can change quickly, so these recommendations can change as well. Therefore, follow the websites of ZZJZKS (www.zzjzks.ba), the Ministry of Health of FBiH (www.fmoh.gov.ba) and ZZJZFBiH (www.zzjzfbih.ba) on which daily updated data related to coronavirus are published, as well as prevention measures.

- Continuation of regular activities. Continue with your normal home activities, do not forget about physical activity in accordance with your functional ability. Organize your time by doing what makes you happy and what is possible for you (reading, solving crossword puzzles…), keep in touch with your loved ones, friends, neighbors by phone, mobile phone or through social networks. Diet is very important, so keep following the recommended diet depending on your health condition.
Talking to a professional helps many. The advice of psychologists, psychiatrists in such a crisis situation can reduce the level of anxiety and stress, for which there are telephone lines for psychological help.

 

Preporuke za osobe starije životne dobi i osobe sa hroničnim nezaraznim bolestima u okviru postepenog ublažavanja restrikcija vezanih uz COVID-19