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COVID-19: People Who Are at High Risk for Serious Illness

Table of Contents


Overview

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a type of coronavirus. This illness was first found in 2019 and has since spread worldwide (pandemic). Symptoms can range from mild, such as fever and body aches, to severe, including trouble breathing. COVID-19 can be deadly.

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. Some types cause the common cold. Others cause more serious illnesses like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

What puts you at high risk for serious illness?

COVID-19 causes a mild illness in many people who get it. But certain things may increase your risk for more serious illness. These include:

Some people have a higher risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work. The risk can also be higher if people don't have access to health care. This includes people from certain racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as people with disabilities.

This is not a complete list. If you have a chronic health problem, ask your doctor if you should take extra precautions. The more of these things you have, the higher your risk for serious illness. Talk with your doctor about ways to manage your risk.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The simple answer is yes. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for almost everyone. The only people advised not to get it are those who've had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine's ingredients.

Experts recommend staying up to date on your COVID vaccines, especially if you:

If you have any questions about the vaccine, talk with your doctor.

How can you protect yourself?


Credits for COVID-19: People Who Are at High Risk for Serious Illness

Current as of: February 28, 2024

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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