Aging is a prominent risk factor for the severity and susceptibility to coronavirus. With age comes a general decline in immune system function which would increase one's vulnerability to disease states like COVID-19. Ultimately, understanding the effects of age could be important to comprehending the disease progression of COVID-19 and developing new treatments.

Aging in COVID-19: Vulnerability, immunity and intervention

Rutgers University

- smoking
- high BMI
- old age
- congregate housing
- environmental conditions
- Immune system conditions

Risk Factors For COVID-19

Smoking as a Risk Factor for COVID-19

COVID-19 comorbidities are high risk conditions that put patients at greater risk for infection and negative outcomes. Some COVID-19 comorbidities have been found to be: 
- Cancer 
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Digestive Diseases
- HIV
- Hypertension
- Immunological Disease
- Liver Injury
- Obesity
- Renal disease
- Respiratory System Disease

COVID-19 Patient Comorbidities

The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has produced or highlighted disparate outcomes of different types between population groups all over the world. Health disparities can highlight inequitable access, treatment, etc. within a country or state and often indicate the need for public health intervention.

Disparate COVID-19 Outcomes

Varying environmental conditions could increase the risk for some groups of individuals to be exposed to COVID-19. Example environmental conditions include:   
 - Rain 
 - Wildfires

Impact of Environmental Conditions on COVID-19

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting severely sick from SARS-CoV-2. Because of this, they have the infection for a longer period of time due to their immune system not fighting it off as fast. If you are immunocompromised, the best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Precautions such as washing hands, cleaning surfaces have to be done more frequent for people with suppresed immune systems.

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