COVID-19 – Are you at Higher Risk

Coronaviruses or CoV are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses ranging from common colds to more severe diseases. This group of viruses comprises genetic material encased in a lipid envelope with a protein spike. And in 2019, a new strain was identified in Wuhan, China. This strain is now what we call Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.

Just like the majority of viruses, COVID-19 is also highly contagious. Its symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The virus is not only contagious but deadly as well due to the symptoms developing into severe pneumonia. Because of this, governments worldwide had to mandate strict health protocols, such as wearing masks, social distancing, quarantines, lockdowns, and taking COVID test kits such as PCR tests in case of a necessary trip.

However, despite the governments’ efforts, death tolls continued to rise due to several factors. And one factor of the increasing COVID-19 mortality rate is a weak immune system. Since the virus spreads rapidly and is unknown to the body, the immune system would take time to create antibodies that will help a person survive, making the situation much more difficult for the immunocompromised.

With the continuous mutations of the virus, the danger of the disease remains high. Thus, it is essential to know if you or your loved ones are at a higher risk of being infected with COVID-19. This way, you can take all the necessary steps to avoid or lower your chances of being infected.

Elderly people, individuals suffering from other respiratory issues, people with comorbidity, and pregnant women are known to be part of those who are at higher risks of COVID-19. These individuals are given priority in hospitals and vaccinations. But since the vaccines can only boost your immune system and do not provide complete immunity, people under the immunocompromised category are still advised to stay at home as much as possible. Moreover, it is ideal to regularly take COVID tests like a rapid antigen test to be sure.

There are more ways to keep yourself and your family safe from the virus, and you can read those in this infographic created by Harley Medic.

Ivan Brandt