The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated and expanded the list of people at increased risk for getting severely ill from COVID 19. The updated list is based on a detailed review of available evidence to date and further defines age and condition related risks. The CDC notes that, “As more information becomes available, it is clear that a substantial number of Americans are at increased risk of severe illness – highlighting the importance of continuing to follow preventive measures.” The CDC removed the specific age threshold from the older adult classification and now warns that, “among adults, risk increases steadily as you age, and it’s not just those over the age of 65 who are at increased risk for severe illness.”

Additionally, after reviewing published reports, pre-print studies and various other data sources, the CDC updated the list of underlying medical conditions that increase risk of severe illness. Based on the data, the CDC then determined if there was clear, mixed or limited evidence that a medical condition increased a person’s risk for severe COVID-19 illness, regardless of age. The CDC found the strongest and most consistent (clear) evidence that the following conditions increase a person’s risk of severe COVID-19 illness:

• Chronic kidney disease;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Obesity (Body Mass Index of 30 or higher);
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant;
• Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies;
• Sickle cell disease; and
• Type 2 diabetes.

The CDC also clarified a list of other conditions that might – based on a mixed or limited evidence level — increase a person’s risk of severe illness, including asthma, high blood pressure, neurologic conditions such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease such as stroke and pregnancy.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804