What is the impact of age and co-morbidity on COVID-19 in India
Age and co-morbidity are definite factors that affect COVID and its outcome, says ICMR head
- Age is a significant factor in determining the severity of COVID-19 in India. Older adults, especially those over 60 years of age, are at higher risk of developing severe illness or complications from COVID-19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the case fatality rate for COVID-19 patients aged 60 years and above is almost 50%.
- Co-morbidity, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, also increases the risk of a severe outcome from COVID-19. ICMR reports that COVID-19 patients with underlying health conditions have a higher risk of hospitalization and death than those without such conditions.
- Additionally, India's healthcare system is already grappling with a huge burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which increases the vulnerability of COVID-19 patients with co-morbidities.
- There is a need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with co-morbidities, from COVID-19. These measures may include vaccines, early diagnosis, and effective management of underlying conditions.
Answered
a year ago