A recent article showed that there is a risk of severe consequences for aging adults from COVID-19, particularly from the now widespread Omicron variant https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/31/health/omicron-deaths-age-65-elderly.html. The recent winter wave of Omicron hit those age 65+ hard with a large increase in deaths compared to other age groups. Many seniors have still not had their first vaccine shot, second vaccine shot, booster, or second booster shot, despite being advised to do so. Organ systems can be invaded by the virus, resulting in cardiovascular damage, lung damage, kidney damage, musculoskeletal damage, and neurological damage, including damage to cognitive health https://isl.fsu.edu/article/long-term-effects-covid-19-infection-may-shape-cognitive-health-aging-society. We need to encourage friends, family, neighbors to get vaccinated, particularly at-risk older adults, and, if they become infected, to get treatment ASAP.

Source: New York Times June 05, 2022 10:06 UTC