IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19

Underlying Conditions that may put you at 'Severe Risk' for COVID-19

For many people, catching COVID-19 isn't life-threatening. But others can develop serious complications. Because COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, it can hit some people quite badly, and turn a bad health situation into something worse. People with underlying conditions may be at high risk when exposed to COVID-19.  Below are some of these conditions:

• Severely Obese

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you're at high risk if you have a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher. Most common comorbidities were found to be hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

• Serious Heart Condition

COVID-19, like other viral illnesses such as the flu, can damage the respiratory system and make it harder for your heart to work.

• Chronic Lung Disease or Moderate to Severe Asthma

If someone has pre-existing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis or other lung conditions, their lung reserve and function may already be poor.

• Diabetes

The virus and other organisms thrive in high-sugar environments, such as that which can be provided in the blood of a diabetic.

• A History of Abnormal Blood Clotting

Those with clotting problems may be at increased risk for developing blood clots with infection.

• Smoker

Smokers have a higher risk for the development of lung infections have more risk for underlying lung damage and a greater chance for cardiovascular diseases.

• Immunocompromised

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, smoking, had bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.

• Treated for cancer

Cancer chemotherapy drugs increase the susceptibility of the patient to getting any type of infection because of the marked reduction in immune-fighting cells that happens when these drugs are taken.

• Over 60 years of age

Older people have a higher incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The overall lung function can start to decrease as we get older which makes it more difficult for us if we get an infection that affects the lungs.

• Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility

Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility can put you at high risk.

• Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Dialysis

Older adults and people with kidney disease or other severe chronic medical conditions seem to be at higher risk for more serious COCID-19 illness.

• Liver Disease

A compromised liver can mean trouble if you get coronavirus.

SOURCE: www.cdc.gov