Queen Elizabeth II tests COVID positive: Here's what it means for people over 60 to catch COVID

From physical symptoms to mental exhaustion, the pandemic has affected everyone in one way or the other. But when it comes to people aged 60 and above, COVID-19 has ignited a different level of scare.

Reports of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (95) testing COVID positive just days after her eldest Prince Charles tested positive has worried many in the United Kingdom. While the Buckingham Palace has said that the monarch is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, the fact that SARs-COV-2 virus affects elderlies and those with pre-existing medical conditions more severely has raised a lot of alarms.

Having said that, let us understand how COVID-19 in people over 60 is different.

Also read: Coronavirus symptoms: 6 signs of 'Stealth Omicron' you can witness in your gut and why the variant may not even give a positive result

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Older people, and people of all ages with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, or cancer) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."

Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states that older adults are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. "Getting very sick means that older adults with COVID-19 might need hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they might even die. The risk increases for people in their 50s and increases in 60s, 70s, and 80s. People 85 and older are the most likely to get very sick," says the US health agency.

Also read: From Delta to Omicron: Symptoms that were common with different variants

Since the onset of COVID-19, older people have been at great risk of severe infections. Reports have suggested that the majority of people that were hospitalized or succumbed to the virus constituted of those over 60 years of age. This is the very reason why vaccination or booster shots are prioritized for people in this category.

A new study involving over 200,000 people found that older people have lower concentrations of antibodies in their blood post vaccination than younger people and their antibody levels diminish faster. This only makes them more susceptible to the virus.

Additionally, another recent study published in the BMJ, that was trying to study the long term effects of COVID on older adults, found that around one-third of older adults with COVID-19 went on to develop new conditions, compared with roughly one-fifth of older adults who did not have the infection.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its "Health Advisory for Elderly Population in India COVID-19" states, "Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated co- morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."

"Also, the course of disease tends to be more severe in case of elderlies resulting in high mortality," it adds.

That said, pre-existing health conditions can increase the risk of severity in both younger and older populations. This is why health experts urge those with comorbidities to be vigilant and more cautious of their actions.

The best way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 among the older population is by taking all precautionary measures. Wearing masks, maintaining distance and limiting outdoor activities is crucial, especially when the virus is on the run.

In case of COVID-19 spread in the community, the WHO recommends people to inform themselves of special measures. It advises older adults to create a list of basic supplies that one may need for at least two weeks and to try to get these delivered where possible. Additionally staying in touch with a health care provider is crucial, says the global health agency.

Breakthrough infections have become prevalent and are more likely to occur in older adults as they're said to have a weaker immune response. However, studies have shown that COVID vaccines are significantly effective in cutting down severity and hospitalization risk. In addition, booster vaccines are said to protect against new emerging COVID variants, including Omicron.

Having said that, it is important that people, who are eligible for the vaccines, get their shots, especially if they fall under the high risk group.