Health Problems of the Elderly

Cholera is a communicable disease caused by the bacteria Vibro Cholerae. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The severity of the disease varies with individuals. Main symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting which can cause dehydration, acute renal failure and even death. However, some people may not have any symptom and become a carrier and can spread the bacteria. Elderly are more prone to infection as their acid secretion in the stomach may be less, weakening their immunity.

Prevention of cholera

To prevent cholera, we should pay attention to personal hygiene, food hygiene and environmental hygiene.

Personal hygiene

1. Keep both hands clean. Wash hands after going to toilet, before cooking, before eating and after touching uncooked food. Trim fingernails.

2. Use clean kitchen utensil. Do not eat by hand.

3. Do not handle food if there is gastrointestinal discomfort like diarrhoea or vomiting. Seek medical treatment immediately.

Food hygiene

1. Boil water for drinking.

2. Wash and cook thoroughly all vegetable, meat and seafood before eating.

3. When eating hotpot or boiled shrimp, ensure all food are thoroughly cooked. Do not eat the head of shrimp.

4. Clear all internal organs of fish. Steam the fish for at least ten minutes. Do not steam it in the rice pot.

5. Cook shellfish fully. If possible, remove the shell before cooking or continue cooking for 5 minutes after the shells are open.

6. Avoid adding uncooked spring union when taking congee.

7. Keep cooked and uncooked food separately in the refrigerator. Put cooked food on the top to avoid the drippings of uncooked food from contaminating the cooked food. Use separate chopping boards and knives for cooked and uncooked food.

8. If possible, finish all cooked food. Keep leftover food in the refrigerator and cook it thoroughly before eating.
   
9. Defrost frozen food completely before cooking. Cut them into small pieces to ensure the inner parts are fully cooked.
   
10. The refrigerator should be kept clean and defrosted regularly. Maintain the temperature below four-degree Celsius.

Environmental hygiene

1. Keep home environment, kitchen and utensil clean to avoid attracting flies and cockroaches.

2. Put rubbish into a covered rubbish bin and clear it daily.