Doctors discuss the factors that raise your risk of dying from COVID.
According to the New York Times, there have been 51.2 million cases of COVID in the United States, with over 806,000 Americans dying as a result. People of any age can get the virus, and while the majority recover in a reasonable amount of time, some factors significantly raise the risk of death. Dr. Gwen Murphy, Ph.D., MPH, Executive Director of Epidemiology at LetsGetChecked, states, "It's worth noting that most people who catch COVID-19 will recover in a couple of weeks.
Those with existing medical disorders, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of complications, and this risk goes up with the number of medical conditions a person has. The CDC website has a detailed list of illnesses that may raise your chance of having severe COVID-19." Doctors explain who is in danger of dying from COVID. Continue reading.
1. Unvaccinated People
Dr. Tom Yadegar, pulmonologist and medical director of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center's intensive care unit, says, "COVID-19 does not discriminate whom it infects, but some patients are more likely to experience severe symptoms, hospitalization, and even death as a result of a COVID-19 infection. Patients who have not been vaccinated now have the highest risk of hospitalization and mortality due to a COVID-19 infection. Vaccines against COVID-19 remain the strongest protection against the virus's serious effect."
2. People with Existing Health
Conditions
Dr. Yadegar claims that "Immunocompromised patients and those with pre-existing chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes are also at risk of severe consequences. The common factor among these groups is a weakened immune system, which results in a reduced ability of their bodies to produce a fighting reaction when faced with an infection."
3. Cancer
According to Dr. Murphy, "COVID-19 can make you more likely to become seriously unwell if you have cancer. Many forms of cancer treatments can reduce your body's ability to fight disease. A history of cancer, as much as we know at this time based on existing studies, may further increase your risk."
4. Diabetes
Dr. Murphy claims that "In persons with diabetes, viral infections can cause inflammation or internal swelling. This can also be caused by blood sugar levels that are higher than usual, and the resulting inflammation can lead to more severe problems."
5. Viral Infections
Dr. Murphy claims that "In
persons with diabetes, viral infections can cause inflammation, or internal
swelling. This can also be caused by blood sugar levels that are higher than
normal, and the resulting inflammation can lead to severe issues."
6. Pregnancy Puts You at Risk
According to Dr. Murphy,
"People who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant are more likely to
suffer serious sickness as a result of COVID-19, which means they are more
likely to require hospitalization, intensive care, or ventilation. COVID-19
infection during pregnancy increases the chance of an early birth (earlier than
37 weeks). As a result, getting vaccinated is essential if you are pregnant,
breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant."
7. How to Stay Safe Out There
Get vaccinated or boost your
vaccinations as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination
rates, wear an N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people
you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene.