Coronavirus: The underlying health conditions that put you at risk of deadly bug
CORONAVIRUS is currently sweeping across the UK - with the number of cases dramatically rising to 1,543 on Monday.
And those with underlying health conditions are much more likely to be killed by deadly bug Covid-19, experts have warned.
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It comes as Boris Johnson yesterday announced that those with underlying health issues, pregnant women and the over-70s — around 20 million Brits — should avoid leaving the house where possible.
The PM said those in these "risk categories" should work from home and avoid socialising with immediate effect.
In the vast majority of cases coronavirus will cause mild effects on patients, but for a small percentage of people, it can be deadly.
The PM's comments follow a recent study in China revealed that people with illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and cancer had a 79 per cent greater chance of being admitted to intensive care, being put on a ventilator, or dying from coronavirus.
Underlying health conditions that put you at risk of coronavirus
Some of the chronic conditions said to heighten the risk among patients are:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - emphysema or bronchitis
- Primary Immumodeficiency (PID)
- 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 your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- HIV and AIDS
- Being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
This is down to their weakened immune systems and their bodies lacking the strength to deal with a viral infection.
Here, we take you through the various underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk of getting coronavirus - and what to do if you have any of these conditions...
1. Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air to and from our lungs, and it currently affects over five million people across the UK.
People with asthma are not more likely to get coronavirus than anyone else, but unfortunately Covid-19, like any respiratory virus, may make people’s asthma worse, putting them at increased risk of asthma symptoms and even potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.
also lists asthma, along with diabetes and heart disease, as a condition that makes someone “more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.”
Jessica Kirby, Head of Health Advice at Asthma UK, said: "Asthma doesn’t make you more likely to get coronavirus, but unfortunately if people with long-term lung conditions like asthma get coronavirus, it can be more severe.
"People with lung conditions are more likely to experience complications and need hospital treatment.
"Any respiratory infection can cause problems for people with asthma, and so far, evidence shows that coronavirus is no different."
Asthma UK have also urged sufferers to keep taking their preventer inhaler (usually brown) daily as prescribed as this will help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including coronavirus.
Similarly, they say to carry their blue reliever inhaler with you every day, in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up.
2. Heart disease
Based on early reports, 40 per cent of hospitalised Covid-19 patients had cardiovascular disease.
In particular, someone with an underlying heart issue is more likely to have a less robust immune system - meaning their body's response is not as strong a response when exposed to viruses.
The bug's main target is the lungs but that could affect the heart, especially a diseased heart, which has to work harder to get oxygenated blood throughout the body.
That could exacerbate problems for someone with heart failure, where the heart is already having problems pumping efficiently.
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs) and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways.)
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People with COPD are more prone to get coronavirus as they can have what we call a disruption of their epithelial lining — or damage to the cellular barrier that helps to protect the lungs — making it easier for viruses and illnesses to invade the rest of the body.
Experts urge sufferers take preventative measures such as staying away from those who are actively sick and continuing to take prescribed medication to optimise lung health.
4. Diabetes
In general people with diabetes face greater risks of complications when dealing with viral infections like flu, and that is likely to be true with Covid-19.
This is because when glucose levels are fluctuating or elevated consistently, they have a lower immune response - meaning less protection against the bug.
Dan Howarth, Head of Care at , said: "Coronavirus or Covid-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes.
"If you have diabetes and you have symptoms such as cough, high temperature and feeling short of breath you need to monitor your blood sugar closely and call the NHS 111 phone service."
Most medics who treat diabetes seem to be emphasising basic hygiene and illness precautions, as well as doubling down on efforts to achieve good glucose control.
5. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's and MS
Chronic neurological conditions, such as , , , a learning disability or cerebral palsy are said to heighten the risk of coronavirus.
Parkinson's UK say people with the condition should limit face to face interaction and follow strict social distancing.
If you those with the illness become unwell with coronavirus, experts say it is important to keep taking the medication prescribed to you for Parkinson’s.
Parkinson's UK Clinical Director, Dr Donald Grosset, advises: “You should not suddenly stop taking your prescribed medication for Parkinson’s, as that can cause additional problems. However, missing a small number of doses – because of vomiting, for example – will not cause you harm.
“Follow the advice given to you by your health professional who might adjust your tablets or dose, depending on your condition.”
6. Cancer
Cancer patients are more susceptible to coronavirus due to their compromised immune system.
In particular, one well-known side effect of chemotherapy is to reduce white blood cell counts and induce a temporary state of reduced immune function.
And, as with any infection, the Covid-19 virus is more likely to progress at a greater speed in a cancer patient.
If a patient develops signs of infection, for example high temperature, coughing or shortness of breath, they should make contact with their oncology unit.
7. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system - this causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.
People with cystic fibrosis are generally more likely to pick up infections, and more vulnerable to complications if they do develop an infection such as coronavirus.
Despite this, states that there is currently no need for people with cystic fibrosis to limit their activities.
Professor Kevin Southern, from the UK's Cystic Fibrosis Trust Medical Association, said: "It is important to continue to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle and to be up to date with immunisations, including ‘flu’, even though this is a different virus.
"If a person with CF develops cold or ‘flu-like' symptoms (muscle aches, fever etc), speak with your CF team about starting a recommended back-up antibiotic treatment."
8. HIV and AIDS
Compared with the general population, people with compromised immunity as the result of conditions such as are at higher risk of developing more serious Covid-19 illness.
The HIV population is also ageing, and nearly half are over 50.
And certain HIV medications, especially older drugs, can cause neutropenia, or depletion of immune system white blood cells that fight infection such as coronavirus.
9. Primary Immunodeficiency (PID)
Primary immunodeficiencies are disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function normally.
This leaves them with reduced or no natural defence against germs such as bacteria, fungi and viruses - and that is likely to be true with Covid-19.
Susan Walsh from the said they were advising people to follow Public Health England guidelines.
She told : "We are also telling people that if they do feel ill they should contact a doctor promptly with details of their diagnosis, medication and immunology centre.
"It’s a balance between raising awareness, but not creating great fear. It needs to be handled very carefully."
10. Being severely overweight
Severely obese people are at risk of developing severe complications from the coronavirus, according to the government.
They describe severely obese as anyone with a body mass index (BMI) score over 40.
The BMI is the most widely used method to check if you're a healthy weight.
Specifically, it is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height.
According to the NHS, a BMI of 40 or above means you're severely obese.
While the government has not provided further information on why obese people are at a greater risk, carrying excess weight is directly associated with other highlighted risk factors of the coronavirus, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease (such as hepatitis) and problems with your spleen – for example, disease or if you have had your spleen removed - are also underlying health conditions that will put people at more risk of Covid-19.
The UK government has also now classed expectant mothers as those among the "vulnerable" group of society at risk of Covid-19.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said that including pregnant women in this group was a "precautionary measure" as experts are "early in our understanding of this virus".
And his deputy, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said it's hoped that these new measures will reduce the infection rate and protect those at higher risk.
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He told the BBC: "When it comes to this coronavirus, it is a new disease, it's been with humans around the world for just a few months.
"We are being very precautionary in terms of the advice we are giving to pregnant women to increase their social distancing.
"We know that a whole range of normal infections are more serious in pregnancy and the advice we're giving is extremely precautionary."