Updated Dec. 8, 2022
Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill due to COVID-19.
Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may need: hospitalization, intensive care, a ventilator to help them breathe or they may even die.
People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, need to take precautions to protect against COVID-19.
The CDC maintains a list of medical conditions that puts people into higher risk from COVID-19, including:
- Older adults
- People with asthma
- People with HIV
- People with other underlying medical conditions
- People with disabilities
- Pregnant or recently pregnant people
- Racial and ethnic minority groups