Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus.
The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Health officials have said that people with underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system or immunocompromised are more at risk when it comes to the virus.
Here are the most at risk:
-people with autoimmune disorders such as HIV
-people with blood disorders or abnormalities, such as anemia
-people who experience inflammation of internal organs
-people with diabetes
-people with digestive issues including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
-infants and children who are have experienced growth and developmental delays
-people with chronic disease such as lung disease, renal failure or liver disease
-people who are immunocompromised such as those receiving cancer treatments, those who have had bone marrow or organ transplants, immune deficiencies, prolonged use of medications that weaken the immune system like corticosteroids
-adults aged 65 and older
-people with moderate to severe asthma
-people who have serious heart conditions
-people of any age with severe obesity
-pregnant women (data to date on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk)
If you are at a higher risk, take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. Stay home as much as possible during the outbreak in your community. If you are taking medication, you may ask your doctor to provide extra necessary medication.
Stay safe and healthy.
Pat Thompson-Cluett
