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Older people like President Trump are at more risk for severe COVID-19. Here’s why

President Donald Trump’s announcement that he’s tested positive for COVID-19 is especially concerning because of his age. At 74 years old, Trump is solidly within an age group that’s been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic.

People of all ages can get sick from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But the severity of the illness tends to worsen the older the patient is. Through the end of September, 79% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States had been in patients over 65. These statistics are broadly similar in countries around the world.

What is it that puts older people at increased risk from viruses like SARS-CoV-2? Scientists think it’s primarily due to changes in the human immune system as we age.

Your body’s tools to fight off virus infections










Older immune systems are weaker



Monocytes from older individuals produce less interferon in response to viral infections. They have a harder time killing infected cells and signaling the adaptive immune response to get going.



Social distancing is vital

Everyone, no matter their age, needs to protect themselves from infection, not just to keep themselves healthy but also to help protect the most vulnerable. Given the difficulty older individuals have in controlling viral infection, the best option is for these individuals to avoid becoming infected by viruses in the first place.

This is where washing hands, avoiding touching your face, self-isolation and social distancing all become important, especially for COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by a respiratory virus, which can spread via tiny virus-containing droplets. Larger droplets fall to the ground quickly; very small droplets dry up. Mid-range droplets are of most concern because they can float in the air for a few feet before drying. These droplets can be inhaled into the lungs.

Keeping at least 6 feet away from other people helps significantly reduce your chance of being infected by these aerosol droplets. But there’s still the possibility for virus to contaminate surfaces that infected people have touched or coughed on. Therefore, the best way to protect vulnerable older and immunocompromised people is to stay away from them until there is no longer a risk. By stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the whole population, we help protect those who have a harder time fighting infection.

This article draws on material from an article originally published on March 19, 2020.The Conversation
