Factors that put you at high risk for severe COVID-19

Who is considered high risk for severe COVID-19?

COVID-19 doesn’t affect everyone the same way. While some people experience no symptoms, mild symptoms, or recover quickly, others face a much higher chance of serious illness.

The following groups of people are considered at risk for developing severe COVID-19:

• Older adults: Older age is a risk factor. People over 50 are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19, and that risk increases significantly after age 65. In fact, the number of deaths among people ages 65 and older is 97 times higher than those among people ages 18-29.
• People with certain medical conditions: People with certain underlying health conditions including, but not limited to, heart disease, diabetes (type 1 and type 2), chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma, and obesity, are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Race and ethnicity: People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups are likely to face barriers accessing health care and, if they get COVID-19, are more likely to be hospitalized, be admitted to the ICU, and die from it at younger ages.
• Not up to date on COVID-19 vaccination: People who haven’t received the updated COVID-19 vaccine are at increased risk of severe illness. Vaccination remains the most important tool for reducing the impact of COVID-19.

To find out if you are at risk of severe COVID-19, take a Risk Assessment.

If you fall into one of these categories, it’s important to take extra precautions against respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. Learn more about what to ask your healthcare provider if you have COVID-19.

What is severe COVID-19?

Severe COVID-19 is not defined by one symptom, but rather how serious the illness becomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), severe COVID-19 is often associated with outcomes such as:

• Hospitalization for respiratory support or monitoring
• Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Intubation or mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing, or
• Death, particularly in individuals with multiple risk factors or delayed treatment

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips, face, or nail beds, which may indicate low oxygen levels

It’s important to note that severe illness doesn’t always happen immediately. Symptoms can worsen over several days, which is why early monitoring and medical attention are critical—especially for those in high-risk groups.

How to help lower your risk of getting severe COVID-19

The good news is that there are ways to help reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 or developing severe illness if you do get infected.

• Get vaccinated: Vaccination remains the most important tool to help protect people from getting seriously ill or being hospitalized. Vaccines can help your body recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. If you’re high risk, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination is especially important.
• Prevention strategies: Simple habits like washing your hands regularly, and wearing a well-fitting mask can help reduce your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
• Seek timely treatment: If you test positive and are at high risk for severe illness, talk to a healthcare provider right away to see if prescription treatments may be right for you.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19

If you’re high risk and test positive for COVID-19, don’t wait to act. Talk to your doctor right away. There are prescription medications but they must be started early, so reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The CDC recommends staying home and away from others if you test positive. When, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better and you haven’t had a fever and are not taking fever-reducing medicine, take added precaution over the next 5 days as you get back to your normal activities. These include taking additional steps for cleaner air, practicing good hygiene, wearing a well-fitting mask, physical distancing, and/or testing when you plan to be around other people indoors.