In 2020, a mysterious virus from Wuhan, China, slowly spread worldwide, causing massive disruptions in how essential things function in society. The coronavirus, commonly called COVID-19, brought tremendous risks to countless industries, especially healthcare. Hospitals scrambled to cater to the growing number of patients suspected of being infected with the deadly disease.
Two years from when COVID was first identified, the risks of infection are still at an all-time high. PCR tests have become a necessity nowadays, especially with the symptoms of COVID almost similar to that of ordinary flu. Moreover, new variants of the virus, such as the Omicron, make transmission easier and significantly reduce the effectiveness of immunisations. Due to the different variants, the continual surge of cases led to rapid antigen tests becoming a requirement for many daily tasks.
Though countless individuals are already vaccinated, the risks of infection remain to increase, especially with nations worldwide starting to ease up with their protocols. This is dangerous for people who need to go to places that are usually crowded and for groups that are more vulnerable to contracting the infection.
An example of individuals at higher risks of COVID-19 infection is those experiencing respiratory problems. Contracting the virus can lead to severe breathing issues and swollen respiratory tract. It can also be fatal because the virus also causes significant damage to the walls and linings of the lungs.
In addition, older people are also noticed to take good care of themselves to avoid infection. Almost 94% of the fatalities recorded in the United States are aged 50 or above, mainly because of the weaker immune system. When the older generation gets the disease, they are most likely to be admitted to intensive care units (ICU). They might also cause other severe illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
To learn more if you are at higher risk for the COVID-19, check this infographic from Harley Medic International.
