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April 17, 2020

Underlying Conditions & Covid-19

Published in: COVID-19, underlying conditions and COVID-19, what are pre-existing conditions, who is more at risk for complications from COVID-19
Image by Grégory ROOSE from Pixabay

Covid-19 is so challenging and confounding to everyone in so many ways, especially health experts who are in a desperate race to put all the pieces together.

From my perspective, one thing (there are so many!) that is so very odd: Why do some people who test positive for the virus have mild – or no – symptoms, while others are suffering and worse, dying? It’s so hard to believe that this dichotomy is being played out by one single virus.

Some health experts are saying that people with underlying conditions are among those who experience more serious illness from coronavirus.

The CDC says those underlying conditions include diabetes, chronic lung disease and asthma, heart disease and undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, those with kidney or liver failure may also be at higher risk.

People with some neurological conditions, too, no matter what their age, may be more at risk because of the medications they take to control their condition. These medications could compromise their immune system, reports CNN. (The exception to this medication rule might be Parkinson’s disease, which has its own inflammatory components that might harm the immune system.)

And then there are disorders like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): These all might cause paralysis to the diaphragm, which could in turn put those affected at high risk for respiratory failure if infected with Covid-19.

Our immune system’s job is to protect against disease and any other threatening and potentially damaging pathogens, and having an underlying condition makes it tougher for the immune system to fight off a virus. When our body senses foreign substances, our immune system seeks them out and attacks them. In fact, every day the immune system is under attack, and most of the time we don’t even realize it.

Those with an underlying condition may develop a fever, shortness of breath or a cough more easily than those without a preexisting illness, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said.

Aside from preexisting conditions, we’re hearing that being over age 65 puts you more at risk. The reasons vary:

  • As we age, we’re more likely to have long-term health problems.
  • Age also naturally weakens the immune system, making it tougher to fight off infections.
  • Lung tissue quality weakens over time (starting at around age 35). Keep your lungs healthy by not smoking, avoiding air pollutants, getting regular exercise and watching your weight.

We all feel at risk; it’s tough not to when you hear about young, healthy people who are also affected and dying. Along with feeling at risk comes the feeling of helplessness.

But there are things we can do.

Remember, we are all in this together. It’s our responsibility to protect one another – not just ourselves –  and one of the best ways to do this is to stay home as much as possible. When you do go out, wear a mask and maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

Additionally, protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and for 20 seconds, cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces (like phones, remote controls and other electronics, light switches and doorknobs). And if someone in your household is sick, have them stay in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom if possible, using a separate dedicated lined trash can. Avoid sharing common household items (like dishes, towels and bedding), and have them wear a face covering (or if they cannot, make sure you wear one).

Wishing everyone good health, and a quick end to this pandemic.

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Previous Post: « Washing Produce, Staying Mentally Fit and Other Covid-19 Questions
Next Post: What is COVID Teaching Us? Damned if I Know… »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosalba Gordon says

    April 18, 2020 at 11:38 am

    Thanks for this information, we are doing our best to follow the doctor’s recommendations and so far so good. Keeping ourselves in the house and limiting visitors to medical personnel make us feeling safer. It not easy to stay home that long, but is a matter of life or death, that is what we have to keep in mind, this shall pass and we’ll be stronger and compassionate, that is my hope!

  2. Irene S. Levine says

    April 18, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    There is still so much that we dn’t know about the coronavirus:-(

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A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

 
Sheryl Kraft
2017-01-17T13:37:55+00:00
I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience. I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future! Best wishes, Mikayla  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/high-school-student-aspiring-writer-australia-reaches/

Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week!

On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2018-12-07T02:46:56+00:00
On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/due-to-your-article-traffic-and-sales-have-been-great-this-past-week/

I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2020-02-14T14:57:09+00:00
I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change! Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/im-writing-to-express-my-admiration-for-the-work-you-are-doing/
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Sheryl Kraft
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