Professor Adrian Esterman joins David to unpack the real state of COVID 19 in older Australians why the virus still hits them hardest, why so few are up to date with boosters, and how atypical presentations can derail timely antiviral treatment. This practical, GP focused discussion offers clear, actionable ideas for improving protection in both community and aged care settings ahead of winter.

• Understand why COVID-19 has become “quieter” overall, yet remains disproportionately deadly in older people, especially those who are frail or living with multiple comorbidities.
• The discussion unpacks how atypical presentations in older adults can delay diagnosis, closing the narrow five day window for antivirals.
• Practical steps for GPs working with aged care facilities, including the value of standing outbreak protocols, proactive consent processes, and streamlined access to antiviral therapy.
• Explores why COVID-19 vaccination and booster uptake in older Australians remains worryingly low, despite strong safety data and clear reductions in mortality.
• Consultation strategies to address vaccine fatigue and misinformation.

Expert: Prof Adrian Esterman, Epidemiologist and Biostatistician

Host: Dr David Lim, GP & Medical Educator

Total time: 42 mins

Recommended resources

• Prof Adrian Esterman
• Managing COVID-19 in aged care
• RACGP: Home-care guidelines for adult patients with mild COVID-19
• GPs to face ongoing COVID sequelae for ‘years’
• Prevalence of multiple risk factors for poor outcomes associated with COVID-19 among an elderly Australian population
• Older people, the digital divide and use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic