It seems like data on COVID-19 is constantly in flux regarding who is contracting and suffering from the disease. A primary aspect of that question is defining who is most at risk of experiencing significant consequences if they do get it.

Age-Related Factors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 80% of deaths are occurring with folks 65 and older. Why is that?

• They are more prone to have at-risk health issues such as lung disease, heart disease and/or diabetes
• Their immune systems have been weakened as they age, hindering their ability to deal with infections
• Over time, lung tissue becomes more elastic which makes respiratory disease more of a concern
• More pronounced inflammation in older people can lead to organ damage

Underlying Conditions and Comorbidity

Two technical terms to keep in mind as you read and hear about the disease are “underlying conditions” and “comorbidity.” A simple definition of an underlying condition is a medical issue that impacts a person’s daily life.

The CDC also has reported that over 80% of people who have been hospitalized for the virus had an underlying condition. Common ones included:

• Asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Compromised immune system from solid organ transplant
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Sickle cell disease

For example, health issues can set the stage for a severe infection with inflammation, scarring or other damage to the lungs. Also, the poorly controlled and potentially higher blood sugar experienced with diabetes (either type 1 or type 2) offers an environment in which viruses can thrive. In addition, diabetes boosts inflammation while weakening the immune system.

A combination of two or more of these conditions (comorbidity) can further increase the chances of more severe consequences. This impact results from the stress placed on the body. An underlying condition can even be aggravated by the virus itself.

Other folks at increased risk can include the homeless, those with disabilities, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, racial and ethnic minority groups, smokers, and those with developmental and behavioral disorders.

Take Precautions

Anyone with this kind of health profile should consider the following practices:

• Communicate with your doctor about any concerns
• Maintain ongoing treatments for existing conditions
• Get emergency attention for an underlying condition if it’s warranted
• Maintain medication routines and have a supply of the meds on hand
• Receive routine vaccinations such as for the flu
• Deal with stress which can amplify a number of conditions
• Continue to stay on top of preventive care and annual checkups
• Limit going out to minimize contact with others
• If you do go out, plan your activity carefully
• Be careful of what you touch when you go outside the home
• Definitely avoid contact with anyone who may have or been exposed to the virus
• Wash hands and use hand sanitizer

People of all ages should be aware of their personal risk factors and not ignore or downplay the serious dangers presented by COVID-19. Following applicable guidelines and requirements, such as physical distancing and face coverings, as conditions evolve is also essential to managing the pandemic as much as we can for the health and welfare of everyone.