Underlying Medical Conditions That Increase Risk of Serious COVID-19 Illness for All Ages
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2020/03/13 - Updated: 2021/08/23
Topic: Disability Emergency Planning - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: List of medical conditions and factors that can place a person diagnosed with the novel coronavirus at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and side effects, of COVID-19. Just like with the seasonal flu, seniors, especially those with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk of being affected as COVID-19 spreads.
Introduction
Evidence has shown that people with underlying health conditions, including lung disease, seem to be at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
Focus
The CDC has issued guidelines for people who are at higher risk.
Begin to practice everyday preventive actions NOW.
Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The CDC recommends getting ready for COVID-19 NOW, and to help protect yourself by doing the following:
- Avoid crowds.
- Stay at home as much as possible.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- If you really need to go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- The CDC recommends you have access to several weeks of medicines and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Medical Conditions that Increase Risk of Serious COVID-19 for All Ages
Just like with the seasonal flu, seniors, especially those with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk of being affected as COVID-19 spreads. Other conditions that could cause serious side effects of Coronavirus COVID-19 include:
- Blood Disorders - For example: Sickle cell disease or on blood thinners.
- Chronic Kidney Disease - For example: Patient has been told to avoid or reduce the dose of medications because kidney disease, or is under treatment for kidney disease, including receiving dialysis.
- Chronic Liver Disease - As defined by your doctor. (e.g., cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis) For example: Patient told to avoid or reduce dose of medications due to liver disease or under treatment for liver disease.
- Endocrine Disorders - For example: diabetes mellitus
- Immunosuppression (Compromised Immune System) - For example: Seeing a doctor for cancer, treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, received an organ or bone marrow transplant, taking high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications, HIV or AIDS.
- Lung Disease - Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other chronic conditions associated with impaired lung function or respiratory disorders that require oxygen.
- Metabolic Disorders - For example: inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders.
- Neurological, Neurologic, Neurodevelopment Conditions - For example: disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, seizure disorders, stroke, intellectual disability, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Recent Pregnancy - Current or recent pregnancy in the last two weeks.
If you are among those listed above for being at a higher risk of severe symptoms of COVID-19, you should begin to act NOW by:
- Stocking up on supplies.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- Taking extra precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- If you do need to go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
N95 Masks
A disposable N95 mask, or respirator, is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. An N95 mask protects you from breathing in small particles in the air. The best mask for bacteria and virus protection is an N95 or N100.
The OSHA directive indicates that a respirator can be reused as long as it "maintains its structural and functional integrity and the filter material is not physically damaged or soiled." Properly fitted N95 masks could help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus and the CDC is currently recommending N95 masks for health workers.
The 8210V Disposable Respirator from 3M - (as pictured above) - is rated N95 and blocks 95% of all non-oil particle matter down to.03 microns from getting into the lungs.
Watch for COVID-19 Symptoms and Warning Signs
1 - Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
2 - If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
- Bluish lips or face
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
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Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.