Science and COVID-19 Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk of Severe Illness

What kind of people are more likely to catch COVID-19?

People of all ages can be infected with COVID-19, but certain groups are more likely to experience severe symptoms or complications. These high-risk groups include:

1. Older adults: Individuals aged 65 years and older are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. As people age, their immune system weakens, making it harder to fight off infections effectively.

2. People with underlying health conditions: Those with underlying medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. These conditions might weaken the body’s ability to handle the infection.

3. Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems due to organ transplants, <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer treatments, or certain medications are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and may experience severe symptoms.

4. Healthcare workers and frontline workers: Individuals working in healthcare settings or other essential sectors, such as grocery stores, public transportation, or law enforcement, have a higher likelihood of being exposed to the virus due to close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

5. Individuals living in densely populated areas: People residing in crowded areas or in close quarters, such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or prisons, have an increased risk of being infected due to the ease of virus transmission in such settings.

6. Minority groups: Studies have shown that certain racial and ethnic minority groups may be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to various reasons, including disparities in healthcare access, living conditions, and underlying health conditions.

It is important to note that while some groups are more likely to catch COVID-19 or experience severe illness, anyone can contract the virus and should take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. This includes practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and following local health guidelines and recommendations.

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