Recently, the number of daily confirmed cases of Corona has exceeded 2,000, and anxiety is deepening. 78% of the confirmed cases are in their 20s and 60s, and in Korea, the fatality rate is not high compared to other countries. However, from the perspective of the elderly in Korea who have already entered an aging society, it is necessary to carefully observe whether the fatality rate is relatively low and can be reassured. Currently, the fatality rate for those aged 70 to 79 is reported to be 5.18%, and the fatality rate for those aged 80 or older is reported as high as 17.51%, so it is clear that a red light has been turned on for the health of the elderly in Korea exposed to Corona. So, why are the elderly more vulnerable to coronavirus?
In oriental medicine, as the elderly age, the ‘regular energy (functional state)’ of the ‘five organs’ (generally refers to all organs of the human body) declines, resulting in a decrease in various physiological functions related thereto. It is believed that various symptoms occur due to depletion of ‘people’s vitality)’. This condition is very similar to ‘frailty’, which is recently mentioned in geriatric medicine. Professor Park Jae-woo of the Department of Oriental Medicine at Kyunghee University Hospital in Gangdong said, “There is a report that elderly people over 65 years old can be diagnosed with senility syndrome if they fall under three or more of the following: weight loss, fatigue, decrease in energy, decrease in walking speed, and decrease in physical activity. In addition to this, there is an opinion that a decrease in appetite, a decrease in food intake, and a decrease in muscle mass should be included in the symptoms for judging senility.”
In addition, it is known that the immune system goes through a process of natural decline as well as the symptoms of senescence syndrome in the elderly. Innate immune functions such as white blood cells, macrophages, and NK cells, as well as acquired immune functions such as T cells and B cells, will gradually decline. As a result, the elderly are vulnerable to inflammation in the body, and the resistance to external pathogens and viruses decreases, which can lead to infections, cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
As mentioned earlier, changes in the body of the elderly, particularly situations such as weakened immunity in the elderly, are undoubtedly an important fact in explaining the elderly’s vulnerability to corona infection and fatality rate. Until Korea reaches the level of herd immunity by vaccinating safely, the elderly need to check the following items to prepare for corona infection and lead a healthy life. ▲It is important to actively manage the preexisting chronic diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) and ▲maintain a normal diet. ▲ Maintain a certain level of physical activity, such as walking for at least an hour a day, and ▲ check your sleep and urination status. ▲ If you have weight loss, loss of appetite, low energy, frequent colds, etc., you should visit a medical institution.
The elderly are gradually depleted of ‘spirit’ and their functions are easily weakened if they are not managed physically and mentally. A condition in which various autonomic nervous system symptoms such as stuffiness, muscle pain, and digestive disorders appear)’ is more likely to occur. Professor Park Jae-woo said, “If you have poor physical strength or weak digestive function, you are more likely to experience ‘non-giheo’. It can be done,” he said.
It can be said that it is basic to pay attention to regular meals and sleep to prevent such a condition, and to maintain muscle strength through regular exercise while managing one’s own chronic diseases well. Here, you can manage it more easily if you use herbal medicines that have the effect of maintaining energy and regulating immunity. Professor Park said, “Chinese herbal medicines such as Astragalus, ginseng, Angelica, and Goji berries contain various alkaloids and polysaccharides, which can enhance the weakened immunity and normalize the unnecessarily enhanced immune response. Its immunomodulatory efficacy has recently been reported.” However, if you have a high fever, you need to be careful when taking herbal medicines such as ginseng and red ginseng. Professor Park said, “I hope that by controlling the immunity of the elderly in the age of Corona with one medicine, they can take one step closer to a healthy life.” Reporter Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
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