15 COVID-19 Risk Factors

Deepti Saudagar

Updated on:

15 COVID-19 Risk Factors

People must be aware of COVID-19 risk factors to keep themselves away from this deadly virus. Adults of any age with any medical conditions are vulnerable and more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Older adults are most likely to get severely affected by COVID-19. The maximum of COVID-19 deaths occurs in adults over the age of 65 years. Long-standing health issues have exposed people to an increased risk of getting affected by COVID-19. Studies have shown people are also dying from COVID-19 at young ages. People in minority groups are often young people when developing chronic medical conditions and are more likely to have more than one condition. Here are 15 COVID-19 risk factors you must know.

COVID-19 Risk Factors

1. Cancer

Cancer
Source: Healthline

Cancer is a very deadly disease. Suffering from cancer will make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Treatments for all types of cancer weaken your body’s ability to fight diseases. It also lowers the immune system.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease

Source: Healio

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to get severely affected by COVID-19.

Chronic lung diseases include

  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension

Chronic lung diseases make you more susceptible to COVID-19. It may include:

  • Asthma (moderate to severe)
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Having damaged or scarred lung tissue like interstitial lung disease 
  • Emphysema
  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

3. Neurological Conditions

Neurological Conditions
Source: YourGenome

A study conducted showed that COVID-19 survivors were diagnosed with neurological conditions after the infection. Having neurological conditions like dementia can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

4. Diabetes (Type 1 Or Type 2)

Diabetes (Type 1 Or Type 2)
Source: News Medical

People with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Therefore, diabetic people must be aware of their surroundings and take utmost care.

5. Down Syndrome

Source: Today Show

Down syndrome occurs when a child is born with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. People who have Down syndrome can be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

6. Heart Conditions

Heart Conditions
Source: Medical News Today

Having heart conditions like heart failure, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension) can make you more susceptible to COVID-19.

7. HIV Infection

HIV Infection
Source: Healthline

HIV is a very deadly disease as there is no cure for this disease. Therefore, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can make you susceptible to get severely infected from COVID-19.

8. Immunocompromised State (Weakened Immune System)

Immunocompromised state (Weakened Immune System)
Source: Protinex

Having a weakened immune system in the body may make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Many medical conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system. 

9. Liver Disease

Liver Disease
Source: Aidsmap

Having a chronic liver disease like alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and especially cirrhosis can make you more susceptible to COVID-19.

10. Overweight And Obesity

Overweight And Obesity
Source: The Conversion

BMI is the body mass index. Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 but < 40 kg/m2), overweight (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 but < 30 kg/m2), or severe obesity (BMI of ≥40 kg/m2) can make you more likely to get infected from COVID-19. The risk of severe COVID-19 infection increases sharply with elevated BMI.

11. Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Source: WebMD

Pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Pregnant women need to be more careful with their lifestyle habits and their surroundings.

12. Thalassemia

Thalassemia
Source: Science

Suffering from hemoglobin blood disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD), thalassemia, etc., can make you more susceptible to get severely ill from COVID-19. Being a cigarette smoker or smoking before can make you more likely to get sick severely from COVID-19. 

13. Solid-organ Or Blood Stem Cell Transplant

Solid-organ Or Blood Stem Cell Transplant
Source: Verywell Health

Suffering from a solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, including a bone marrow transplant, can make you more likely to get infected with COVID-19.

14. Stroke Or Cerebrovascular Disease

Stroke Or Cerebrovascular Disease
Source: Medical News Today

It is a disease that affects blood flow to the brain. Having a cerebrovascular disease like having a stroke can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

15. Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders
Source: Healthline

Having a substance use disorder (alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use disorder) can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Read Also: 16 Ways To Boost Immunity Against COVID-19

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