Causes and Risk Factors for COVID-19

Overview
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. It is very contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. Most people develop mild illness and recover in 1-2 weeks. Some people develop more severe COVID-19 that may lead to hospitalization. Knowing the risk factors can help people take preventive actions to reduce their risks.
Non-modifiable Risk Factors (Risk Factors You Can't Change)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. For many people, COVID-19 is a mild respiratory illness. Some people are at higher risk for developing severe COVID illness that may lead to hospitalization.

Non-modifiable risk factors for severe COVID-19 are factors that cannot be changed or controlled. These include:

  • Age
  • The risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19 increases with age. As people get older, their immune system may not function as well, making them more susceptible to infections. According to the CDC, people over age 65 are at higher risk of severe COVID.
  • Race or ethnicity
  • People of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds may have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. For example, studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and Latinx individuals are more likely to experience severe outcomes from the virus compared to white individuals. This could be due to various factors such as underlying health conditions, socioeconomic disparities, or systemic inequities in healthcare access.
  • People with the following conditions:
    • Cancer
    • Cerebrovascular disease, including stroke
    • Chronic kidney disease (at any stage)
    • Chronic liver disease
    • Chronic lung disease, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension)
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Dementia
    • Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
    • People with disabilities
    • Heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies
    • Hemoglobin blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia
    • HIV infection
    • Immunocompromise (weakened immune systems)
    • Mental health conditions, including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
    • Overweight and obesity
    • Pregnancy
    • Smoking (current and former)
    • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
    • Substance use disorders
    • Tuberculosis (TB)
Modifiable Risk Factors (Factors You May Be Able to Change)

In the context of COVID-19, modifiable risk factors refer to certain factors that, if addressed or modified, may help reduce the risk of developing severe symptoms or complications from the virus. Here are some modifiable risk factors for COVID-19:

  • Smoking: Quitting smoking can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Overweight and Obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a person's height and weight. Having a higher BMI or excess body fat is associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Making lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy BMI and reduce the risk.
  • Physical Fitness: Engaging in regular exercise and improving physical fitness can potentially reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.

It's important to note that these modifiable risk factors are not the only factors that contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Remember that addressing these modifiable risk factors may help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, but it's always important to follow public health guidelines such as practicing good hand hygiene and getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others from the virus.

Reducing Risks

To prevent or reduce the chances of getting COVID-19, there are several actions that a person can take. Here are some steps to consider:

Vaccination

Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important step in reducing the risk of infection and its severe complications. It is recommended to follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and healthcare professionals for your specific situation.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe disease and hospitalization. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important receive updated vaccines as recommended when they become available. This means everyone ages 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-10 vaccine, including people who previously received a COVID-19 vaccine and people who have had COVID-19.

Getting the updated vaccine is especially important for people who:

  • Never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Are ages 65 years and older.
  • Have medication conditions that put you at higher risk for severe COVID-19.

There currently are three COVID-19 vaccines available for 2024-2025:

  • Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax)
  • Novavax Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty)

Staying Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Vaccine:

  • Most adults and children 5 years of age and older need one dose of 2024-25 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The CDC recommends a second dose of 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine for people who are 65 years or older and for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have weakened immune systems)
  • Children 6 months – 4 years may need more than 1 dose of vaccine, depending on prior vaccinations.

People who are allergic to any ingredients of a COVID-19 vaccines should not receive the vaccine. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, the potential side effects from vaccines, and other considerations for your individual situation.

Lifestyle and Healthy Habits

  • Stay informed: Keeping up to date with the latest information and guidelines from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety.
  • Practice good hygiene: Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, can also help reduce the risk of infection.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, can help reduce the spread of the virus.
  • Wear a mask: Masks help to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to others if the wearer is infected.
  • Social Distancing: Avoid crowded places and put distance between yourself and others when possible.
  • Taking steps to bring fresh outdoor air into indoor spaces.

To reduce the chances of getting severe COVID-19, know if you have risk factors for severe illness. Discuss possible risk factors with your healthcare provider. The healthcare provider can provide guidance on COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, testing, and steps to take if you become infected.

What are the main risk factors for COVID-19?

How can I reduce my risk of getting severe COVID-19?

Does my age or any of my existing health conditions increase my risk of severe COVID-19?