COVID-19 and chronic conditions: what you need to know
COVID-19 can be more serious for people with certain health issues. Here’s what high-risk people and caregivers need to know.
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Key takeaways
- Certain health conditions like diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer can increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
- Staying up to date on vaccination and additional prevention strategies can help reduce your risk of getting COVID-19.
- Early action is key, so talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
The COVID-19 virus continues to pose a serious threat, especially for people with certain underlying medical conditions. While some experience mild symptoms, others may face a higher risk of severe illness, including hospitalization, or even death.
Talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions that may help protect against COVID-19.
Certain underlying medical conditions and COVID-19
About 75% of U.S. adults have at least one health condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19. These include, but are not limited to, chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and conditions that weaken the immune system. People in these groups are more likely to get seriously ill and be hospitalized from COVID-19 if infected. Take a Risk Assessment to determine if treatment is right for you.
Being immunocompromised—whether due to an underlying medical condition like HIV or treatment like chemotherapy—means the immune system is less capable of responding to infections. This makes it harder for the body to recover and raises the likelihood of developing severe illness.
If you have an underlying medical condition that increases COVID-19 risk, you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
Common diseases, conditions, or behaviors that increase COVID-19 risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) several factors can increase your chances of developing severe illness from COVID-19. These include:
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Chronic lung diseases, including asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia or other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Some disabilities like learning disabilities or cerebral palsy
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Hemoglobin blood disorders
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or other immunocompromising conditions
- Mental health conditions including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Obesity or being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking (current or former)
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Substance use disorders
- Tuberculosis
It’s important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive. If you have a condition not listed here but are concerned about your risk, speak with your healthcare provider.
How you can help stay prepared
If you or someone you care for is at higher risk, here are steps you can take to help you be prepared:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. Not being up to date on COVID-19 vaccination can increase the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.
- Practice additional prevention strategies. This includes wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded spaces, washing hands frequently, and improving indoor ventilation.
- Monitor symptoms closely. Even mild symptoms should prompt a call to your healthcare provider, especially if you have risk factors for severe illness.
- Have a plan. Make a plan in advance: know where to get tested, identify a healthcare provider you can contact quickly, and discuss whether medication is appropriate if you do test positive and are at high risk. Acting fast, especially within the first few days of experiencing symptoms, can make a big difference. If you have a high-risk factor, you may be eligible for treatments.
- Know about your treatment options. Talk to your healthcare provider about available treatments and when they should be used.
- Stay informed. Guidelines and recommendations may change as new variants emerge. Stay connected by checking trusted sources like the CDC or your local health department, signing up for health alerts, and talking regularly with your healthcare provider about the latest updates.
Caregivers should also take precautions to avoid bringing the virus into the home, especially if they live with or regularly assist someone who is high-risk.
What you can do
Living with certain underlying medical conditions means you may be at risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. While the COVID-19 virus may be less disruptive for some, it remains a serious threat for those with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Practicing prevention measures and taking early action can make a big difference. If you don’t currently have a healthcare provider, consider using a telehealth service to talk to a doctor and discuss your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
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References
Ajufo E, Rao S, Navar AM, Pandey A, Ayers CR, Khera A. U.S. population at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021; 6:100156. doi:10.1016/
j.ajpc.2021.100156
ACEP COVID-19 Field Guide. American College of Emergency Physicians. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.acep.org/corona/covid-19-field-guide/home-safety/self-isolation
People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 11, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://
www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html
Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 18, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://
www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html
Symptoms of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 10, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html
Types of COVID-19 Treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 8, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html
Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 6, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://
www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html