From Virus to Protection #4: Who is More Likely to Get a Bad Case?

A blog series on SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and how spread can be eliminated.

This blog series was inspired by the many questions people ask on this topic (see our FAQ links for more)

Common sense says It's a good idea to ask some important questions about this serious disease threat.

This question has been well-researched and answered elsewhere.

Here is a summary with the best links with information we should be aware of:

According to the CDC:

People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
• Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

COVID-19 is a new disease. Currently there are limited data and information about the impact of underlying medical conditions and whether they increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
• Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
• Smoking
• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Want to see the evidence behind these lists?

It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:

• Limit your interactions with other people as much as possible.
• Take precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 when you do interact with others.

If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours.

Disclaimer: We make no claim that these teachings are up-to-date. Researched by a scientist, they are current understanding, to the best of our knowledge. Consult medical professionals before making medical decisions for yourself or others, just to be sure. Be safe, be careful. SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is a serious enemy that can kill.

The next blog discusses: Does it matter how much virus gets inside your body?