Factors that Increase Your Risk of Severe COVID-19
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In most cases, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. However, there is a whole list of factors that can make a minor infection become life-threatening. The British NHS has put together the most important factors. See if you or your loved ones are at risk.

  1. The NHS divides the risk factors for severe COVID-19 into high and moderate
  2. The latter group includes age, obesity and diabetes, among others
  3. The high risk group includes cancer patients, transplant patients and patients with severe lung disease
  4. You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page

High-risk factors for severe COVID-19

According to the NHS (National Health Service), the Polish equivalent of the NFZ, there are two levels of COVID-19 risk factors: high risk and moderate risk. Depending on which group we are in, we may be at high or only moderate risk of severe COVID-19.

The first group, i.e. the clinically extremely sensitive group, includes:

  1. people who have had an organ transplant;
  2. people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or antibody therapy, including immunotherapy;
  3. people who are undergoing intensive radiation therapy for lung cancer;
  4. patients who have targeted treatment for cancer that may affect the immune system;
  5. patients with cancer of the blood or bone marrow (including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma);
  6. people who have undergone a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the last six months, and people who are still taking immunosuppressants;
  7. people with severe lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
  8. people who take medications that significantly increase the risk of infections (e.g. high doses of steroids or immunosuppressants);
  9. pregnant women with serious heart disease;
  10. people with spleen disease or a spleen removed;
  11. adults with Down syndrome;
  12. adult people on dialysis or with severe and long-term kidney disease.

In the UK, people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 receive information from the NHS or their GP with a recommendation for extremely responsible compliance. It goes, among others o possibility of remote work, avoiding leaving home when there is no such necessity, keeping distance, creating social bubbles.

In addition, the NHS encourages medical consultations when needed, and adherence to medical examinations and medical check-ups.

Are you infected with the coronavirus or someone close to you has COVID-19? Or maybe you work in the health service? Would you like to share your story or report any irregularities that you have witnessed or affected? Write to us at: [email protected]. We guarantee anonymity!

Moderate risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19

The group of clinically sensitive people includes:

  1. people over 70 (the risk increases with age);
  2. people with lung disease, but not in a severe stage;
  3. people with heart disease
  4. people suffering from diabetes
  5. patients with chronic kidney disease
  6. patients with liver disease
  7. patients with neurological disorders – Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy;
  8. people who take medications that may affect the immune system (including low doses of steroids);
  9. people who are very obese (BMI 40 or more);
  10. pregnant women.

If you belong to any of these groups (possibly more than one), try your best to follow the safety rules. Do not expose yourself unnecessarily to contact with people who may be infected, avoid large crowds of people, remember to keep your distance, wear a protective mask and frequently wash or disinfect your hands.

The editorial board recommends:

  1. How to wear masks in winter? The rule is more important than ever. Experts observe
  2. Who is less likely to get COVID-19 infection? The Six Factors [EXPLAINED]
  3. Everything you need to know about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine today

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