If you’re at high risk:

COVID-19 is often more severe in older adults (65+) or in people who have serious underlying medical conditions that affect their immune system.​ Vulnerable individuals should continue to follow stay-at-home guidance during Phase 2 reopening.

COVID-19 is often more severe in older adults (65+) or in people who have serious underlying medical conditions that affect their immune system.​

  • Continue taking any current medications and talk with your doctor before changing your treatment plan.
  • Plan ahead on how and when to seek routine care (example: Telemed, off-peak hours, etc.)
  • Maintain a 2-week supply of prescription and non-prescription medications. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you get more than two weeks of prescription medications to reduce trips to the pharmacy.
  • Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. Monitor your health for any changes and seek medical care immediately if you’re concerned.
  • Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Keep a 6-foot distance from others and avoid crowded places. Stay home as much as you can, especially if you may have issues getting assistance if you get sick.
  • Maintain a healthy routine, including healthful eating and daily exercise.
  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

  • HRDC Senior Programs
    • Shop 4 a Senior: assistance with essential groceries and supplies
    • Senior Reach: short term mental health counseling for adults age 60+ via telephone or video calls
    • Call HRDC if you are in need of face coverings
    • Call (406) 587-5444 for more information
  • Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center: (406) 548-0123
  • Bozeman Health COVID-19 Hotline: (406) 414-2619

Those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are generally older adults, often with underlying medical conditions. This, along with the communal nature of the facilities, put this group at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

  • Carefully follow your facility’s protocols for infection prevention.
  • Monitor changes in your health and notify staff immediately if you feel sick.
  • Adhere to any facility restrictions on limiting visitors.

COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract and cause an asthma attack.

  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan.
  • Keep your asthma under control.
  • Continue any current medications and know how to use your inhaler.
  • Know and avoid your asthma triggers.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home. If cleaning supplies are an asthma trigger for you, have another member of your household disinfect for you when you are not in the room.

Patients with chronic kidney disease are more prone to infection and severe illness because of weakened immune systems.

  • If you are on dialysis, you should not miss your treatments.
  • Plan to maintain an emergency supply of food in case you are unable to follow your normal treatment schedule.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you feel sick or have concerns.

Chronic lung diseases (such emphysema, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and others) may put you at higher risk for severe illness.

  • Keep taking your current medications and consult with your healthcare provider before changing treatment plans.
  • Avoid triggers that make your symptoms worse.

Serious heart conditions may put people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

  • Continue to take any medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your medications.
  • Continue to manage and control your blood pressure.

A number of medical conditions can cause a person to have a weakened immune system, including cancer treatment, HIV, and prolonged use of immune-weakening medications.

  • Continue any current medications and treatments.
  • Monitor for any changes to your health and call your healthcare provider if you feel sick.

If you’re not at high risk, help prevent the spread of coronavirus to those who are.

Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.

Additional actions you can take:

  • Stay home if possible.
  • Take precautions to keep 6 feet away from others.
  • Wear a face covering in public.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Maintain a healthy routine, including healthful eating, sleeping and daily exercise.

  • Wear a face covering when around your at-risk loved one.
  • Familiarize yourself with any medications your loved one is taking. You may be able to assist them in getting extra on hand.
  • Monitor and help maintain their food and medical supplies (oxygen, dialysis, diabetes medications, etc.). You can help them stock up on non-perishable foods to minimize trips to stores and consider periodic grocery deliveries.
  • Create an emergency plan and share it with healthcare providers and other family members.
  • If your loved one is living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, stay up-to-date on the situation, know the restrictions on visitors, and become familiar with the protocol if there is an outbreak.
  • Check out the CDC guidance on caring for someone sick in your home.
More Resources:

COVID-19

EXPLORE MORE:
COVID-19 CALL CENTER
  • Monday – Friday
  • 8 AM to 5 PM (MST)
  • 406-582-3163

Non-English speaking options available.