The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidelines on Thursday, broadening the list of people who are at a heightened risk of developing severe illnesses from COVID-19.
Its changes include removing the long-established guidance that individuals over age 65 are at a greater danger of outcomes such as hospitalization, ICU admission or death. CDC officials advised thinking of age as a “continuum,” noting that risk rises steadily with age even before hitting 65.
“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 said in a June 25 announcement.
The Atlanta-based agency further stated that those of any age with underlying medical conditions remain at increased danger of severe illness from the novel coronavirus. However, health officials have updated the list of ailments that boost this danger.
Those include chronic kidney disease, COPD, obesity (with a body mass index of 30 or higher, compared to previous guidance that warned those with a BMI of 40 or over), weakened immune systems from a solid organ transplant, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease and Type 2 diabetes. This new CDC advice increases the number of individuals who fall into the high-risk category, with an estimated 60% of American adults having at least one chronic medical condition.
“Understanding who is most at risk for severe illness helps people make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities,” Director Robert Redfield, MD, said in a statement. “While we are all at risk for COVID-19, we need to be aware of who is susceptible to severe complications so that we take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being.”
Finally, the CDC is clarifying the conditions that might escalate a person’s danger of developing severe COVID. Asthma, high blood pressure, neurologic conditions such as dementia, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, and pregnancy all make this list. CDC highlighted, in particular, that women who are with child are “significantly more likely” to end up hospitalized, in an intensive care unit or on mechanical ventilation. However, they are not at a greater risk of dying from the novel disease, according to new research published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Officials underlined the continued importance of practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, limiting contact with others, and wearing a cloth face covering around those you do not live with.
“By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and others around you, including those most vulnerable to severe illness,” the CDC said.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.