People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are people who meet the CDC definition of higher risk (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html). Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
- People aged 65 years and older.
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
- Other high-risk conditions could include:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma.
- People who have serious heart conditions.
- People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment.
- People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk.
Please note, many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease, such as:
- Stay home if possible.
- Wash your hands
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others(stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
- Keep away from people who are sick.
- Stock up on supplies.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
- Avoid all cruise traveland non-essential air travel.
- Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
More information can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html