Staying Safe if High Risk for COVID-19
Are you at higher risk for severe illness?
Based on what we know now, people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
- Individuals with disABILITIES
People of any age with the following:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung diseases
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Disabilities
- Heart conditions
- HIV infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Mental health conditions
- Overweight and obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- Substance use disorders
- Tuberculosis
If you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, and test positive, treatment may be available. Get tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if your test result is positive. Don’t delay, treatment must be started early to be fully effective.
Downloads:
COVID-19 Recommendations for Older Adults | Don’t Delay! Test Soon and Often | What to Do if High Rick?
COVID-19 Recommendations for Individuals with Disabilities
If you have one of the disability types listed below, you might be at increased risk of becoming infected or having unrecognized illness. You should discuss your risk of illness with your healthcare provider.
- People who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members
- People who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing
- People who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness
Prepare
- Plan what you will do if you or your direct support provider gets sick. Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors and local service agencies that can provide support in case you or your direct support provider tests positive.
- Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be comfortable staying home for a few weeks, at least a 30-day supply of over the counter and prescription medicines and any medical equipment or supplies that you might need. Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider. Make a photocopy of prescriptions, as this may help in obtaining medications in an emergency.
Prevention
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wear a well fitted mask
- Wash your hands often