Who’s at Higher Risk For COVID-19?

There are more and more updates each and every week in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks feel that it’s very important to stay updated as much as you can. With that in mind, we are here to share some information with you about who is at higher risk for COVID-19, in this week’s blog. We feel the best way to update you on this important topic is to share the public information that the CDC is putting out there for your benefit. Please remember, if you are coming into one of our Mid-MO health clinics and are showing major symptoms of COVID-19, such as trouble breathing, coughing, or a fever, please give us a call so we can prepare for you. All of our phone numbers can be found on the Central Ozarks Medical Center website, www.CentralOzarks.org.

INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

People who are at higher risk for severe illness

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

People aged 65 years and older

People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

Other high-risk conditions could include:

People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk

People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with a severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk.

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.

Call COMC If You Are Showing Symptoms of COVID-19

We know this is an intense time in history right now but we can get through this together. Follow the safety precautions that the CDC is requesting. Practice social distancing and wash your hands often. Let’s slow this spread and get back to our known normal. Please remember if you are on your way in to see us and are showing symptoms of COVID-19, give us a call and we will be prepared for you. Stay safe everyone!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

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