COVID-19 and the Elderly: Why Does the Immune System Matter?

Authors: Chalise HN* and Rosenberg E

Special Issue 1: COVID-19 Disease Characteristics in Different Types of Patients

Abstract

The global population is rapidly aging. People are living longer due to advances in education, technology, medicine, food distribution, and public health. While the COVID-19 pandemic has significant global impacts, in many countries the elderly face threats and challenges that are unique and disproportionately severe. One such threat is that aging results in a decline in immune function, meaning elderly bodies respond more slowly and less effectively to external threats like COVID-19. Responses at individual, family, community and societal levels should take into account the heightened vulnerability of older adults during this pandemic.

Keywords: Coronavirus; COVID-19; Older adults; Immune system

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