Who is at High-Risk for COVID-19 Complications?
Older Adults – People 65 and older are at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19.
People with Severe Underlying Medical Conditions – Chronic health conditions like the following increase the risk for COVID-19 complications:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Immune deficiencies (due to cancer treatment, organ transplantation, smoking, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids or other immune-weaking medications)
- Kidney disease (especially people undergoing dialysis)
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Obesity (severe obesity with a body mass index of 40 or higher)
Pregnant Women – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public or if they are more likely to have serious illness as a result. Even so, the CDC advises pregnant women to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Pregnancy causes changes in the body that may increase risk of some infections. Some of these viruses are from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, like influenza.
Steps to Take if You’re High Risk or Need to Take Extra Precautions
- Stay home if possible.
- Avoid people who are sick or who have been exposed to the virus.
- Wash hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
- Stay six feet away – about two arm lengths – if you have to be in public.
- Stock up on supplies.
- Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.