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 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
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
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)
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
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
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 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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
