What High Risk Groups Need to Know About the Coronavirus
Ghost Tours of Palm Beach
Real Estate
4 years ago
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Things are looking up across the state of Florida as gym, restaurants, and retail stores are now open (with restrictions) and many are returning to work. If you are young and healthy, the risks you face with the coronavirus are minor compared to other groups. Those who fall into the “high risk” category should continue to strictly follow CDC guidelines. Here are some of the things high-risk groups need to know about the coronavirus.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:

  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised
    • Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
    • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
    • People with diabetes
    • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
    • People with liver disease

Steps to Reduce Risk of Getting Sick

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick.

  • Stay home if possible.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
  • What You Can Do
  • How to Protect Yourself

Prepare for COVID-19

You can prepare for the coming weeks by doing the following:

  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick.
  • Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
  • If someone in your home is sick, have them stay away from the rest of the household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in your home.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.