For weeks, the world has been overwhelmed with data and information about COVID-19, with little data providing the specificity need to ensure that people are taking the illness seriously. But on Tuesday, the CDC was able to give a closer look at exactly who is most effected by COVID-19- and its findings underscore the importance of preventive measures we’ve all been taking.
The new study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality weekly report found that about 90% of patient hospitalized due to COVID-19 had pre-existing conditions- including hypertension, obesity, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.
The CDC recommends that those with underlying health conditions who also have symptoms of COVID-19 – including cough, fever, or shortness of breath- should immediately contact their health care provider.
They also urge individuals to continue to take preventative measures to protect older adults and those with underlying medical conditions from COVID-19, including social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing face masks in public settings.
To read more from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6915e3.htm
Source: Garg S, Kim L, Whitaker M, et al. Hospitalization Rates and Characteristics of Patients Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 — COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1–30, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:458–464. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6915e3
Please note that this information is accurate as of time of release. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s possible that some data may have changed since publication. While we are trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we encourage reader to stay informed on news and recommendations by using CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
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