Following analysis of 55,000 COVID-19 cases in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Mission identified the high risk populations as people of older age and people with certain previously existing conditions.

Age-based risk:

• Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild
• Older people have increasing risk past age 60
• Greatest risk over age 80

Pre-existing conditions with increased risk:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Chronic respiratory disease cancer

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), other conditions may also compromise the immune system and therefore place patients at increased risk.

Conditions with potential for increased risk:

• Severe obesity (body mass index BMI over 40)
• Renal failure
• Liver disease
• Transplant patients: Bone marrow or organ
• Immune deficiencies
• Poorly controlled HIV or AIDS
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

As a person with obesity, am I at an increased risk for developing a severe case of the COVID-19 disease?

People with obesity may be at an increased risk for developing a severe case of COVID-19 disease.

• 1 Common conditions related to obesity are strongly associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
• 2 There is increased risk of severe disease requiring hospitalization and critical care2 –– but it is only an increased risk, not a certainty. Most COVID-19 patients can recover at home within 2 weeks. Most patients with severe or critical disease recover in 3-6 weeks.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The answer is an ABSOLUTE YES!

The more people get vaccinated the less transmission we see. We are in the 4th surge of the virus and 95% of the hospitalized patients are non-vaccinated. Transmission allows the virus to replicate and mutate and develop new forms that may be resistent to all current vaccines and then we will be in the same situation we were in the beginning of 2020. The current virus surge is the result of the resistence to vaccination by many. Yes, you can still get the viral illness if you are vaccinated but the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization and death is much smaller. Please listen to reliable sources only, not the fake news. We experience this every day in the hospital.

How can I protect myself against COVID-19?

The best defense is to get vaccinated and try to avoid exposure. Take time to remember throughout the day that health is a top priority. Take extra measures to put the recommended 6 foot (2 meters) physical distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to the virus.

Ok, so is it safe to go to doctors offices and hospitals? Is it OK to have surgery?

The short answer is YES, IT IS SAFE! The healthcare system very quickly adapted to the new conditions. There are visit types that can be completed in a telehealth format, from your home with a smartphone, tablet or home computer. The office visits have changed to maximize patient safety. There is more time allowed to clean equipment between patient visits, the staff is carefully monitored and checked every day. We have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide ongoing protection. Patients, who need surgery will be tested for the COVID-19 virus by molecular tests (not antibody test) before surgery and will be appropriately isolated throughout the hospitalization.