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 the original 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 strokes.
• Chronic liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis.
• HIV not well managed with medicine.
• Heart disease, including congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies.
• Mood disorders or schizophrenia.
• Dementia.
• Having received an organ or stem cell transplant.
• Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia blood disorders.

Other risk factors for severe COVID-19 are:

• Not getting enough physical activity.
• 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, disability is linked to an increased risk of severe COVID-19. The risks are different depending on the disability.

• Down syndrome is linked to a higher risk of needing care in the hospital. The risk of death from severe COVID-19 also is higher than typical for people with Down syndrome.
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is linked to an increased risk of needing care in the hospital from severe COVID-19.
• Cerebral palsy is linked to an increased risk of needing care in the hospital from severe COVID-19.

These are not the only conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about your health and risk for getting a serious COVID-19 illness.