WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Recent studies suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness because: • As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their bodies to fight off diseases and infection; and • Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take action to reduce your risk of exposure.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM AN AT RISK INDIVIDUAL? If you are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure: • Stay at home as much as possible; • Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time; • When you do go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often; • Avoid crowds