Why are older New Zealanders and those with underlying conditions most at risk?

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Older New Zealanders and Those with Underlying Conditions Face Higher Risk from COVID-19

Older individuals and those with pre-existing health issues are disproportionately vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19. This increased susceptibility is generally attributed to the physiological changes associated with aging and the compromised functioning of systems in individuals with underlying conditions, which can hinder the body's ability to combat the virus effectively.
Age-Related Immune System Changes

As individuals age, their immune systems undergo a process known as immunosenescence. This natural decline in immune function means that older adults may mount a less robust response to new infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, the virus can replicate more freely, leading to a more severe illness. The first reported death in New Zealand due to the Delta variant, a woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions, underscores this vulnerability.
Impact of Underlying Health Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and immunocompromised states, can significantly impair the body's defence mechanisms. For instance, diabetes can lead to chronic inflammation and impaired immune cell function, while heart disease can reduce the body's capacity to cope with the increased demands placed on it by a severe infection. These conditions can exacerbate the effects of COVID-19, increasing the likelihood of complications, hospitalisation, and mortality.
Synergistic Effects of Age and Comorbidities

The risks are often amplified when advanced age is combined with one or more underlying health conditions. In such cases, the diminished immune capacity of older age intersects with the pre-existing physiological weaknesses caused by chronic diseases. This synergistic effect can create a critical situation where the body is least equipped to fight off the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as highlighted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's statement regarding the heightened risk for these demographics. The implementation of strict lockdowns, as seen in Auckland, is considered an important tool to protect these vulnerable populations by preventing virus transmission within the community.

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Why are older New Zealanders and those with underlying conditions most at risk?

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