Older adults are more likely than younger adults to develop a severe illness requiring hospitalization, intensive care, and/or a ventilator after contracting the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Over 80% of deaths from COVID-19 occur in people over the age of 65, and more than 95% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people aged 45 and older. 

In the U.S., older people tend to have multiple medical conditions, as well as more advanced stages of those conditions. When it comes to COVID-19, however, anyone with certain underlying health conditions is at increased risk for severe illness from the virus.*

Do certain health conditions put me at greater risk?

There are a wide variety of rare diseases, syndromes, and conditions that could potentially put you at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 every day, it should be noted that this is a non-exhaustive list and will continuously be updated. 

The following medical conditions could make you more susceptible to severe symptoms from COVID-19:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Chronic lung conditions, including:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
  • Damaged or scarred lung tissue 
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension 
• Neurological conditions, including dementia
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as:
  • Coronary artery disease
  • High blood pressure
• A weakened immune system, whether due to:
  • Genetics
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Immunosuppressant drugs
• Liver disease
• Overweight and obesity, defined by the CDC as:
  • Overweight (body mass index (BMI) of over 25 but less than 30) 
  • Obesity (BMI over 30 but less than 40)
  • Severe obesity (BMI over 40) 
• Pregnancy
• Hemoglobin blood disorders, such as
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassemia
• Smoking, whether current or former
• A solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
• Substance use disorders involving alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, whether illegal or prescribed

Are some children and teenagers at greater risk?

While children have overall been less affected by COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus, and some children develop severe illness. Like adults, children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness compared to those without medical conditions. Though information is limited, current evidence suggests that the following place children at higher risk:

• Medical complexity 
• Genetic, neurologic, or metabolic conditions 
• Congenital heart disease 
• Obesity  
• Diabetes  
• Asthma or chronic lung disease 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Immunosuppression  

What steps can I take to protect myself?

Regardless of your age, if you have underlying health conditions, there are steps you can take to protect your health and minimize your risks from COVID-19:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Continue to practice general precautions such as:
  • Wearing a mask in public or large groups
  • Washing your hands according to the CDC’s recommended protocols
  • Stocking up on needed or special foods and medications, to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• Actively engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga
• Follow your current treatment plan to manage your condition.
• Don’t delay calling 911 or going to the ER if you need emergency care.
• Call your doctor if you have any concerns about your medical conditions or COVID-19.
• Keep preventive care and other routine healthcare appointments.

If you have these or other medical conditions, speak with your healthcare provider about additional steps you can take to manage your health and risks.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, Mar. 29). COVID and Your Health: People with Certain Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html 

Much about the novel coronavirus, i.e., COVID-19, is still not fully understood. As research progresses and our knowledge of the virus increases, information can change rapidly. We strive to update all of our articles as quickly as possible, but there may occasionally be some lag between scientific developments and our revisions.