Don’t Panic Over Coronavirus!

Rose Traub • March 2, 2020

Seniors should take precautions, but not panic .

Coronavirus has been front-page news for a while and we are told it is now starting to spread in the U.S.

Yes, it is a serious situation, it’s extremely important not to panic. It’s equally important to learn the facts and follow the recommended prevention tips to protect yourself and your senior family member.

Quick facts and prevention tips

Today. the risk of getting coronavirus in the U.S. is low. But if the illness does spread, seniors and people with chronic health conditions  are at higher risk, just as they are with the flu.

To reduce the spread of disease, CDC recommends using common-sense prevention practices:

  • Get a flu shot.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick, this may seem to be common sense but for some it is not. A mask does not protect others if you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Where Can You Get Updates on Coronavirus ?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely and is the best source of information about coronavirus. For the latest information and recommendations, visit the  CDC’s Situation Summary page. And check the CDC’s quick tip sheet  Share Facts, Not Fear  for key coronavirus facts that put a stop to rumors and misinformation.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. In general, human coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that range from the common cold to more serious illnesses like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).COVID-19 is the name for a new virus that’s been spreading across the globe since late December 2019. It hadn’t previously been seen in humans.

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

Similar to seasonal flu, COVID-19 is passed between people through coughing, sneezing, or close contact like touching or shaking hands. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth without washing hands. Hand washing is very important. Just like the flu, the virus spreads very easily, which makes it hard to contain, and easily contracted if exposed. The incubation period is between 2 and 14 days, so it can be spread by people with no symptoms.

P revention

To protect from coronavirus, the  CDC recommends  the same methods that you’d use to protect against the flu or other common respiratory diseases.

Preventive measures include:

  • Have you gotten a flu shot
  • Washing hands often with soap, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the event soap and water is not available.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick. stay home.
  • Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then immediately throwing the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls, phones, computers, and mobile devices.

CDC recommends considering “social distancing” for those at higher risk
People who are over the age of 60, pregnant, or on medications that weaken the immune system are at higher risk of infection and complications of infection. Someone who’s at higher risk should consider “ social distancing ”

That means if there’s any reported risk of COVID-19 transmission in the local area, avoid large gatherings of people and public transportation (bus, subway, taxi, rideshare). In addition, keep a safe distance from other people.

What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus ?

Patients with COVID-19 have symptoms that are similar to other respiratory illnesses like colds or flu. Common symptoms  include mild to severe symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath that usually begin two to 14 days after exposure. Less comm is sore throat and diarrhea. Many patients with severe complications from the virus develop pneumonia in both lungs, particularly those with already weakened immune systems.

Seniors are at higher risk of complications and death

Seniors are more vulnerable because their immune systems are weaker due to age and may be made worse by frailty or chronic illnesses. This reduces the body’s ability to cope with and recover from illness.

Does the flu shot provide protection against coronavirus?

According to the CDCRespiratory Diseases, there’s no evidence that the flu or the vaccination for pneumonia will provide protection from the coronavirus. In spite of that infectious disease specialists strongly  recommend flu vaccination  as a way to prepare for coronavirus. For seniors, having both the flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine can increase the chances of staying healthy.

Do face masks protect you?

Surgical masks are a common sight in areas with coronavirus outbreaks. But are they effective in protecting from infection? Experts say that they offer  some protection . Currently, the  CDC doesn’t recommend  that people who are not sick wear a face mask, they should only be worn if a healthcare professional recommends it.

However, face masks  should  be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19. This helps prevent the spread of the disease to others. They should be worn by people who are taking care of someone who is sick.

Is there a coronavirus treatment?

Currently, there is no cure for coronavirus. Treatments to help patients heal or to relieve symptoms are already in clinical trials. Currently, researchers are focused on testing the existing antiviral drug Remdesivir and a combination of HIV and flu drugs.

The best treatment for coronavirus is prevention.

Disclaimer

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only about senior living topics. The information provided on this blog is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge but there may be errors, omissions, or mistakes. It is not intended to be medical advice.

 

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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