Abstract
Severe acute respiratory infection (Covid-19) is caused by coronavirus, a type of beta coronavirus closely linked to the SARS virus. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic of COVID-19. Risk factors for rapid progression and severe Covid-19 infection should be identified earlier in the course of the illness. Most of the cases of Covid-19 are mild in nature and can be managed at home. 14 per cent of cases require hospital admission and oxygen requirement during the hospital stay, whereas 5% of cases require ICU admission. Atypical presentations like altered sensorium and delirium can be presenting complaints in older people. In multimorbid older adults, frailty had an increased risk of mortality and disease severity. Systemic steroids should not be recommended in home isolation of mild Covid infection. Progression to severe disease is more common in older adults, hence they should always be monitored for warning signs and symptoms. Every older individual should be vaccinated against Covid-19. Despite vaccine status, the practice of Covid-appropriate behaviour is warranted and should be practiced by all.
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Chakrawarty, A., Klanidhi, K.B. (2023). Clinical Management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) in Elderly Patients Infected with Covid-19. In: Shankardass, M.K. (eds) Handbook on COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Persons. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1467-8_5
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