Immune Education Series: Age Isn't a Death Sentence with Coronavirus

Increased frailty is strongly associated with increased risk of severe illness with coronavirus

We have all heard the news about seniors being at increased risk of severe illness with coronavirus. It has especially taken a toll on those living in nursing homes. However, what has not been explained well is that it is not just about the number of your age. Research on covid patients indicates that your level of health, or lack of frailty, may be more important than how old you are.

Frailty and Coronavirus
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, health care providers have been searching for the best indicators to help them evaluate the risk of serious illness with covid and guide treatment decisions. While advanced age tends to correlate with increased risk and is an easy number to use, it’s not the best indicator for patients.
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Most of the association between increased age and increased risk of severe illness is due to increasing co-morbidities that are more common as we age. Co-morbidities is just a special term for various health issues or chronic diseases. These could include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and pulmonary disease among many others.

What's Your Frailty Score?
Researchers have found that frailty is a better indicator than age or co-morbidities when determining someone’s risk of severe illness with covid. Consider the chart to the right which makes assessing frailty easy. The frailest are those that are completely dependent on others for basic needs and/or approaching the end of life. A recent study published in Lancet found that the frailest are at much higher risk of death or prolonged hospital stay with covid. This is true regardless of age or co-morbidities. It is those in the 7-9 categories of frailness that are at high risk of death or severe illness.

Based on this research, we should worry less about our age and more about our frailness. Take steps to increase your health and reduce your frailty score to limit your risk with covid.

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