Other conditions that raise the risk of severe COVID-19

If an organ or body system is already weakened by disease, infection with the COVID-19 virus can cause further damage. In other cases, medicine for another condition can lower the immune system's response to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Many different diseases can raise the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

• Brain and nervous system diseases, such as stroke.
• Chronic liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) and autoimmune hepatitis.
• HIV that is not well managed with medicine.
• Heart disease, including congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies.
• Mood disorders or schizophrenia.
• An organ or stem cell transplant.
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Other risk factors for severe COVID-19 are:

• Smoking.
• Pregnancy or having recently given birth.
• Use of medicines that lower the immune system's ability to respond to germs.

Also, as a general group, people with complex medical needs may be at higher risk. Examples include people with cerebral palsy and people with genetic or metabolic syndromes.

These are not the only conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Talk with your care team if you have questions about your risk.