Understanding Covid-19 Risk Factors

Covid-19 has brought multi-sector adverse effects to the world. Predominantly, the disease affects overall health. Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This chronic disease spreads from person to person through inhaling or swallowing cough particles of an infected person and touching contaminated surfaces. The government is stringent on the observation of protective measures against Covid-19. However, cases continually occur across the globe. The risk of Covid-19 19 steadily increases with age. However, individuals with underlying medical conditions are also prone to severe Covid-19 illness. The facility for antibody testing in Otsego establishes whether you are infected with Covid-19 and the risk factors you need to watch out for. Ongoing research on the novel disease means additional risk factors may crop up occasionally. Here are the already established risk factors:

1. Asthma

Covid-19 is primarily a respiratory disease. Initially, medical experts did not classify asthma in the risk factor category. However, studies have shown patients with asthma, particularly non-allergenic asthma, are prone to severe disease. Asthma causes complications in the respiratory tract. The type of asthma largely influences how you breathe while infected with Coronavirus disease. Patients with asthma should continually use inhalers and anti-allergen medication the doctor recommends.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is the progressive loss of kidneys’ functionality. The kidneys filter out waste from the body organs. Kidney failure causes massive electrolyte and fluid imbalance. Moderate to advanced CKD puts you at risk of hospitalization when infected with Covid-19. The virus causes inflammation in the nephrons and, sequentially, kidney failure. Severe renal failure coupled with acute Coronavirus disease causes multiple organ failure. Frequent dialysis is pivotal to ensure CKD does not aggravate Covid-19 illness. However, more advanced testing is essential to determine the severity of chronic kidney disease on Covid-19.

3. Obesity

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for Covid-19. Individuals who score 35kg/m³ on the BMI index are susceptible to worse outcomes, such as invasive mechanical ventilation. Obese people have lower levels of adiponectin hormone. Adiponectin protects the lungs and keeps blood vessels open. In some obese people, the production of complement proteins ensues. Complement proteins cause uncontrollable blood clots, which worsens coronavirus disease. Obesity, unlike other risk factors, is independent of age. Maintaining a healthy weight will make Covid-19 illness bearable.

4. Diabetes

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies type 1 and type 2 diabetes as Covid-19 risk factors. Rightly so, diabetes has inflammatory effects that escalate Covid-19 illness. Diabetes also interferes with blood flow in the body. Decreased blood flow means there are lesser immune interactions with antibodies that shield against coronavirus.

5. Blood disorders

The circulatory system transports oxygen to body organs. Covid-19 deprives the body of oxygen. Blood disorders categorically cause blood vessels blockage or deliver scant amounts of oxygen. Thrombosis, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia are some of the blood disorders that worsen Covid-19 infection. For good health, while undergoing blood treatment, also test for Covid-19.

Takeaway

The above risk factors aggravate Covid-19 illness. These risk factors bypass the body’s immune system. Frequent Covid-19 testing is imperative for detecting and managing the illness. Make Covid-19 testing a part of your routine as we continue to educate you and overcome the pandemic together.