As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a large impact on Americans across the country, one glimmer of hope that we can all hang on to is the fact that we’ve learned much about the virus over the course of the past few months. Scientists have discovered common ways that the virus is spread, as well as ways for us all to help stay safe and stop the spread.

One other important element that we’ve discovered, however, is that certain populations are more vulnerable to the disease, including the potential need for hospitalization, intensive care, breathing help or even death.1 As we continue to battle this virus into the winter and holiday months, here are a few things to keep in mind, particularly as it relates to your vulnerability with regard to COVID-19.

Which Populations Are Most At Risk

Although no one would hope to contract COVID-19, we’ve learned over the past few months that certain segments of the population are more at risk for serious illness when exposed to the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following groups should practice extreme caution to avoid exposure:

  • Older adults and babies: A person’s age can raise their risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Adults 65 and older and babies younger than 6 months are more likely than other age groups to need hospitalization. As of March 2024, nearly 76% of all deaths from COVID-19 occurred in people age 65 and older, says the Mayo Clinic.
  • People with certain underlying medical conditions: A number of underlying medical conditions may also increase the risk for severe illness, including some common diseases that are more likely to occur with age, according to the Mayo Clinic. A few underlying conditions to speak with your doctor about include: 
    • Cancer
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Obesity
    • Pregnancy
    • Heart disease
    • Chronic lung diseases
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2)
    • Brain and nervous system conditions, including strokes
    • Chronic liver disease
    • Mood disorders or schizophrenia
    • Dementia

Please note that the above list is just a sampling of issues to be aware of; see the full array on the Mayo Clinic’s site.  How vulnerable populations can stay safe

As the months of dealing with COVID-19 track on, healthcare organizations have continuously updated their recommendations for safety precautions. Staying up-to-date on the latest findings is the best way to safeguard against contracting the virus, which is especially important for those people in the most vulnerable populations.

Some common recommendations from Loyola Medicine2 to reduce your risk of exposure—and help protect others—include:

  1. Avoid interactions with people who are sick
  2. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, frequently
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and face
  4. Be sure to clean any surfaces you touch frequently
  5. Install good ventilation and filtration to clean the air where you live
  6. When you’re sick, stay home
  7. If you need to sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with a tissue (and then dispose of the tissue)

With the above precautions in place, people in the most vulnerable populations can rest assured that they’re doing everything they can to stay as healthy as possible. One important thing to keep in mind is that for most of the people in the vulnerable population — babies, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, for example — staying on top of routine healthcare needs will also be essential. Although traveling to a doctor’s office may not be the safest option these days (since it potentially increases a vulnerable person’s exposure to the virus), telehealth visits are a great option to help you keep your important appointments, all from the safety of your own home. Discuss with your doctor today what your options are for virtual health visits.