Does having multiple medical conditions increase the risk of a severe illness from COVID-19?

Does having multiple medical conditions increase the risk of a severe illness from COVID-19?

Certain underlying medical conditions increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in adults. Having multiple conditions also increased risk. Obesity, diabetes with complications, and anxiety and fear-related disorders had the strongest association with death. The risk associated with a condition increased with age.

How are people tested for COVID-19?

Most tests to diagnose COVID-19 require a swab of your nose, or the part of the throat behind the nose, by a health care provider. A few tests use saliva (spit) or other types of collection methods. For most tests, the swab or sample must be sent to a lab for analysis.

Who are some groups at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

Some people may be at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults (65 years and older) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions. By using strategies that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, you will help protect all employees, including those at higher risk.

Who is at greatest risk of infection from COVID-19?

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact (i.e., within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer) with a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of whether the patient has symptoms.

Are there different types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests?

There are 2 different types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests — molecular tests and antigen tests. Molecular tests detect the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Antigen tests detect specific proteins made by the virus.

What kind of sample is used to test for COVID-19?

See full answerSwab samples use a swab (similar to a long Q-Tip) to collect a sample from the nose or throat. The types of samples include:•Anterior Nares (Nasal) – takes a sample from just inside the nostrils•Mid-turbinate – takes a sample from further up inside the nose•Nasopharyngeal – takes a sample from deep inside the nose, reaching the back of the throat•Oropharyngeal – takes a sample from the middle part of the throat (pharynx) just beyond the mouthSaliva samples are collected by spitting into a tube rather than using a nose or throat swab.Blood samples are only used to test for antibodies and not to diagnose COVID-19. Venous blood samples are typically collected at a doctor’s office or clinic. Some antibody tests use blood from a finger stick.