Coronavirus high risk groups – from asthma to diabetes, the people most vulnerable to Covid-19 – The Sun
OVER 1.5 million people in the UK fall into the high risk category, with those suffering from respiratory conditions and the over 70s needing to be extra careful.
But who else is deemed high risk, and what should they be doing to keep themselves protected from coronavirus? Here's the latest.
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What are the groups at high risk of catching coronavirus?
According to the government website, people aged 70 or older, regardless of their health, are deemed as high risk.
Those with chronic respiratory diseases, chronic heart disease or people who are severely overweight or with a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV and AIDS are also on the list.
There is also a category deemed as extremely vulnerable. Those listed include people who have recently had an organ transplant, people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy and people with cancer of the bone.
Using the government website, we have pulled together both high risk and extremely vulnerable lists.
High risk includes:
- Aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
- Under 70 with underlying health condition listed below and anyone who was instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds
- Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
- Problems with the spleen – sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- Being seriously overweight (a body mass index of 40 or above)
- Those who are pregnant
Extremely vulnerable
- People who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood of bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
- Those with severe chest conditions like cystic fibrosis or severe asthma – requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets
- Severe diseases of body systems such as kidney disease (dialysis)
Why are these groups more vulnerable?
Experts have said that for most people who catch Covid-19, it will be a bout of mild to heavy flu. But for those with pre-existing health conditions who are deemed high risk are at an increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said on March 12 that he expects the UK to reach the peak of the pandemic in about 10 to 14 weeks.
That would mean the number of infections would not peak before the Easter break, but would hit the UK hardest in the May half-term holidays.
This is why it is of great importance that the more vulnerable in our society stay indoors and away from potential carriers of the virus.
What should I do if I'm in a high-risk group?
The government has already told banned Brits from leaving their homes except to buy food, medical supplies, exercise once a day and to work if you are classified as a key worker.
But those on the high-risk list are being told to stay indoors 24/7, with shopping and outdoor exercise strongly advised against.
If carers and delivery workers knock on the door, they should keep a 2 to 3 metre distance from the high-risk person.
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