High concentrations of smoke and dangerous air quality indexes caused by wildfires can increase the COVID-19 risk for groups of individuals such as firefighters or individuals living in nearby cities or evacuation zones. Research has shown that smoke and air pollution could increase the risk that individuals would develop more severe symptoms of the virus.

Effect of Wildfires on Individuals during COVID-19 Pandemic

The rainy season often brings about seasonal influenza and symptoms such as a cold or fever, which resemble some of those symptoms characterized by COVID-19. Viral activity is heightened during this rainy season as well, posing a threat for individuals getting exposed to COVID-19. 

Rainy Season Effect on Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

- American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) 
- Iventi Journals 

References for Impact of Environmental Conditions on COVID-19 by Journal 

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

University of California, Davis

- 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

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.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After