Have you stocked up on necessary medication in preparation for Coronavirus?

[AARPSandyY]

AARP recently spoke to health experts on their recommendations for older Americans and adults who take routine medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. One expert recommended that these folks should make sure they have "adequate supplies" of these medications.

Are you taking special actions and precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19?

For more information, check the AARP Article: What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus Outbreak

[PaulC797458]

Dear AARP: How can we create a forum for those who have COVID-19, or think they may? I see no online forum to offer support for those with the virus. I dont know if this is because there is a stigma, but it is a major oversight, given the lack of access to testing so far.  It would be especially useful to hear details that the authorities are ignoring, like exact symptoms and timeline. 

Since the virus is much more problematical for older people, it seems there should be more attention to this population from AARP. I see that in the UK there is some discussion-- see link here:  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/coronavirus-charities-rally-to-help-older-people-in-se...

The top-down approach so far is not gaining trust. Practical advice (such as yours about stocking up on medications) is welcome. But I think people should be trusted to have a conversation, and not simply be expected to take advice. A forum could help sort out rumor from fact or from likely fact-- and mutual support would be welcome for those with anxiety about symptoms and no where to go. What do you think?

[AARPSandyY]

Hi PaulC797458,

Thank you for your post. We hear you about not simply taking advice, but also wanting mutual support. It’s only natural to feel a desire to share experiences and connect with each other during a period of national concern, especially if you decide to self-isolate as a protective measure to avoid exposure to COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus).

AARP’s community of forums has a long-standing history of helping users connect, even during moments of isolation, and talking through anxieties and comforting one another during stressful moments is certainly encouraged.

AARP takes your concerns about COVID-19 very seriously and is committed to connecting you with the most up-to-date and accurate health information. To prevent the spread of potentially harmful misinformation, we recommend that everyone look to the evolving guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control. You can learn more about the coronavirus specifically at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

AARP has been working to promote the health and well-being of older Americans for more than sixty years. In the face of this crisis, AARP is providing information and resources to help older people and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others.

You can find AARP's coronavirus resources at www.aarp.org/health.

These resources are being updated as new information becomes available. For convenience, a list of the most recent resources at the time of this post is provided below:

• What you need to know about coronavirus outbreak (story and FAQs, regularly updated): https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-facts.html
• What you need to know about the coronavirus (video): https://videos.aarp.org/detail/video/6128716337001/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-coronavirus?autoS...
• Why Coronavirus hits older people the hardest: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-severe-seniors.html
• Coronavirus and Older Adults: Your Questions answered: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/cdc-covid-19.html
• Can Your Pet Get Coronavirus? https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/pets-coronavirus.html
• What a coronavirus infection feels like: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/covid19-symptoms.html
• Are masks effective in preventing the illness? https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/face-masks-germs.html
• Should you cancel your vacation because of coronavirus? https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/safety/info-2020/coronavirus-and-travel.html
• 9 Ways to fight germs and other hazards on a plane: https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/safety/info-2019/avoid-airplane-germs.html
• AARP Thanks Congress for taking action on Coronavirus: https://press.aarp.org/2020-3-4-AARP-Thanks-Congress-Agreement-to-Pass-Funding-Coronavirus-Response
• What Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities are Doing to Prevent Coronavirus: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/preventing-coronavirus-in-nursing-homes.html