Corona virus: Who is at higher risk of infection and what can you do about it?
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly through droplets of saliva or nose discharge when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it is important that you also practice the respiratory etiquette.
People who are at higher risk:
Corona virus can cause severe illness to everyone, although there are certain individuals who are at greater risk.
- Older adults, aged 65 and older, are at greater risk of serious illness
- People who had an organ transplant
- People who on medication that weakens your immune system
- Living with someone who had COVID – 19 infection
- People who are providing home care for someone who had contracted the virus
- Have an intimate partner who has contracted the virus
Older people and people with specific health problems, if they develop the infecion, have a greater chance of severe complications. Such health issues include the following:
- Lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma
- Certain heart conditions
- Immune system conditions, such as HIV
- Cancer that requires treatment
- Severe obesity
- Other health conditions, if not well-controlled, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
What can higher risk people do?
If you’re at high risk of becoming critically ill from coronavirus, you should do extra things to stop catching it, such as:
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time with warm water and soap
- Do not leave your home – do not go shopping, pick up medication or exercise
- Stay at least 2 meters (3 steps) away from other people in your home to the fullest extent possible
