COVID-19: Are You At A Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

You might be at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 if you are an older adult or have an existing medical condition. As we learn more about the coronavirus, the guidance about high-risk groups continues to change. To see the latest information about who is most at risk, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 

If you could be at higher risk for severe illness, you need to be especially cautious during this pandemic. There is no way to eliminate risk completely, but these steps can help you protect yourself:

 

1. Talk to your doctor about getting care safely. Ask your doctor about which health care appointments you need, or if you need any vaccinations. Go over your treatment options. Find out if you can get care at home or through telehealth.
    
2. Follow your action plan and your doctor’s advice. Be sure to take your medications as directed. Do not change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor. If you become sick, contact your doctor immediately.​
    
3. Avoid close contact and wear a cloth face covering. It is best to stay safe at home and away from others as much as you can. If you decide to go out, avoid peak hours and keep as much distance between yourself and others as possible. ​
    
4. Keep a daily list of where you go and people you see. It makes you more aware of how many people you interact with each day. It can also help with contact tracing to quickly identify anyone who may be at risk if you or someone around you develops COVID-19.
    
5. Wash your hands and disinfect often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Try to avoid touching shared surfaces and clean ones you or others touch frequently, like light switches, faucets, coffee pot handles, TV remotes, and doorknobs. ​
    
6. Make sure you have a plan if you get sick. Stay in touch with family or friends. You may need to ask them for support if you become sick.​
    
7. Have a good supply of your medications, groceries and household items on hand. If you need help, we have partnered with findhelp, an organization that connects people to resources. They offer COVID-19 emergency support for food, housing, job training, and more. Avoid waiting until the last minute and give yourself time to ensure you have the supplies you need.