Some people are at greater risk of getting very sick if they contract COVID-19. However, everyone is different. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have a more serious illness or more than one condition.
Who is at high risk of severe illness?
You are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if you:
are 70 years of age or over
have had an organ transplant and are on immune suppressive therapy
have had a bone marrow transplant in the last 24 months
are on immune suppressive therapy for graft versus host disease
have blood cancer eg leukaemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome (diagnosed within the last 5 years)
are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Tip:
Remember to stay 1.5m away from people, Avoid over crowded spaces, use personal protective equipment, wash hands and use hand sanitiser.
Explore other tips by clicking here. (Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for older people)
Who is at moderate risk of severe illness
You are at moderate risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if you have:
chronic renal (kidney) failure
heart disease (coronary heart disease or failure)
chronic lung disease (excludes mild or moderate asthma)
a non-haematological cancer (diagnosed in the last 12 months)
diabetes
severe obesity with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
chronic liver disease
some neurological conditions (stroke, dementia, other) (speak to your doctor about your risk)
some chronic inflammatory conditions and treatments (speak to your doctor about your risk)
other primary or acquired immunodeficiency (speak to your doctor about your risk)
poorly controlled blood pressure (may increase risk – speak to your doctor).
Other things that might affect your risk
Having 2 or more conditions might increase your risk, regardless of your age. If your condition is severe or poorly controlled, this might also increase your risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Speak to your doctor about your risk.
Other factors might also increase your risk of severe illness if you contract COVID-19, including:
age - risk increases as you get older, even for those under 70
being male
poverty
smoking
This information was gathered from the Australian Health Government website and is used as a reputable source of information to assist the public.
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