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Coronavirus high risk groups – from diabetes to obesity, the people most vulnerable to Covid-19
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THERE are over 1.5 million Brits classed as high risk who need to be extra careful when it comes to coronavirus.
But there are also many factors that make you high risk that you might not expect. Here's what we know.
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What are the groups at high risk of catching coronavirus?
According to the Government website, people aged 70 or older, regardless of their health, are deemed as high risk.
Those with chronic respiratory diseases, chronic heart disease, or people who are severely overweight or with a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV and Aids are also on the list.
Obesity has become a major issue in the fight against coronavirus as it exacerbates symptoms, making fighting the infection ten times harder for those with a BMI over 30 like the Prime Minister.
New research has found that being obese doubles the risk of needing hospital treatment for coronavirus.
It is also known to exacerbate other risk factors like diabetes and heart disease as well as putting excess weight on the diaphragm which makes breathing harder too.
There is also a category deemed as extremely vulnerable.
Those listed include people who have recently had an organ transplant, people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy and people with cancer of the bone.
And new NHS data shows diabetes more than doubles your risk of dying from coronavirus.
Patients with the condition accounted for 32 per cent of all coronavirus deaths in hospitals.
The study reveals Brits with type 1 diabetes are three and a half times more likely to die if they catch coronavirus, while those with type 2 face double the risk.
Using the Government website, we have pulled together both high risk and extremely vulnerable lists.
High risk includes:
- Aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
- Under 70 with underlying health condition listed below and anyone who was instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds
- Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
- Problems with the spleen - sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and Aids, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- Being seriously overweight (a body mass index of 40 or above)
- Those who are pregnant
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Extremely vulnerable
- People who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
- Those with severe chest conditions like cystic fibrosis or severe asthma - requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets
- Severe diseases of body systems such as kidney disease (dialysis)
Why are these groups more vulnerable?
Experts have said that for most people who catch Covid-19, it will be about of mild to heavy flu.
But those with pre-existing health conditions who are deemed high risk, are in danger of becoming severely ill from coronavirus.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS
Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said on March 12 that he expects the UK to reach the peak of the pandemic in about 10 to 14 weeks.
However, after Boris Johnson put the UK on lockdown, deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries, said the date of the peak will be brought forward to Easter, as long as Brits do their bit and stay at home.
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What should I do if I'm in a high-risk group?
The Government originally told Brits not to leave their homes except to buy food, medical supplies, exercise once a day and to work if you are classified as a key worker.
But those on the high-risk list are being told to stay indoors 24/7, with shopping and outdoor exercise strongly advised against.
If carers and delivery workers knock on the door, they should keep a two to three metre distance from the high-risk person.
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