Persons with chronic diseases or with a weakened immune system
People who have chronic diseases or a weakened immune system during COVID-19 pandemic
People who have one or more chronic diseases or a weakened immune system are at increased risk of complications (hospitalization, admission to intensive care and death) from infection with COVID‑19.
Here is a list of chronic diseases and health conditions that may increase the risk of developing serious complications from COVID‑19:
chronic diseases:
heart or lung disease,
diabetes,
liver (including cirrhosis) or kidney disease,
hypertension,
obesity;
medical condition with decreased clearance of respiratory secretions or a risk of aspiration;
person receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
transplant recipient (including a bone marrow transplant);
person who is taking corticosteroids;
person who is taking immunosuppressants;
person who is immunocompromised;
person living with HIV;
person who has anemia.
People with several of these factors as well as older age have a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease. Furthermore, people who require regular medical follow-up or hospital care for their condition are considered the most vulnerable.
Recommendations for people who have chronic disease or a weakened immune system
People who have a chronic disease or a weakened immune system and their loved ones must:
Irrespective of age, additional protective measures may be required for workers who have chronic disease or a weakened immune system. For example, encouraging people to work from home or, if telework is impossible, rigorously applying specific preventive measures in some workplaces.