What Are Chronic Health Conditions?
Chronic conditions or diseases are broadly defined as lasting 1 year or more, requiring ongoing medical attention, and limiting to daily activities.
Some common chronic health conditions:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Many chronic diseases are caused by risk behaviours:
- Tobacco use and/or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Poor nutrition (including diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in sodium and saturated fats)
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol use
Chronic Conditions & COVID-19 Risk
People who have chronic medical conditions including lung disease, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer or receiving chemotherapy, are also at greater risk.
Most people who get COVID-19 will recover, but those with chronic illnesses also face a higher risk of death from COVID-19 once contracted.
Main Point
The risks from COVID-19 for those with underlying chronic health conditions underlines the importance that these individuals (and those around them) follow public health guidelines carefully.
