Coronavirus: Who is Most at Risk?

No one is immune to coronavirus.

We’ve learned that over the past few months — there are plenty of younger and older folks who have been affected.

But certain people have a higher risk of contracting it than others.

As the weeks and months tick by and more people become infected, researchers have been able to gather data about who is most at risk.

Knowing this critical information can help you make sure you’re taking every precaution possible to avoid infection.

Cancer patients seem especially vulnerable to contracting coronavirus.

In a study just published in JAMA Oncology, researchers reviewed the medical records of over 1,500 cancer patients averaging 66 years old who were admitted to a hospital in Wuhan, China, between December and February.

They found that these cancer patients were TWICE as likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 than the general population.

One key reason cancer patients are more vulnerable is because the drugs used to treat it absolutely destroy your immune system.

And a strong immune system is your best protection against contracting the virus in the first place—or succumbing to it if you do get infected.

If you or someone you know has cancer, take every precaution possible—including avoiding the hospital right now, if possible.

Avoid public places, too.

But DON’T avoid the outdoors.

Spend time in the sun every day. It’s the best way to boost your body’s vitamin D, which is critical for a strong immune system.

Studies like this one should encourage any cancer patient to be extra cautious—but please don’t let it cause you more stress.

The overall percentage of cancer patients in the study who developed coronavirus was still less than 1 percent.