The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its list of people who are at risk for the most severe COVID-19 cases.
The highlights:
- Older adults remain on the list.
- People with underlying conditions are still at risk.
- Risk increases as you age. But those over 65 aren’t the only ones at risk.
- The CDC added new conditions for severe risks.
There are a number of conditions that put people at severe risk as well:
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
These conditions might increase the risk of severe illness, according to CDC:
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- Neurologic conditions such as dementia
- Cerebrovascular disease such as stroke
- Pregnancy
Why it matters:
- CDC director Robert Redfield said: “Understanding who is most at risk for severe illness helps people make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their communities,. While we are all at risk for COVID-19, we need to be aware of who is susceptible to severe complications so that we take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being.”