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

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.

Risk factors for people with immune system conditions 

Aging as a risk factor for COVID-19

Varying environmental conditions can increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure and severity for specific populations. Examples of such environmental conditions include:
- Rainfall and rainy seasons (associated with heightened viral activity and influenza-like symptoms)
- Wildfires (associated with smoke, poor air quality, and increased susceptibility or severity of symptoms)

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