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Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals

Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals
Updated Feb. 9, 2023
For the general public: People with Certain Medical Conditions provides an overview of medical conditions and resources.

What You Need to Know

  • An updated list of high-risk underlying conditions, along with their associated evidence, is provided below. The conditions are grouped by the level of evidence, with the highest level shown in the top section.
  • The list of underlying medical conditions is not exhaustive and will be updated as the science evolves. CDC continually reviews additional underlying conditions, and some of these might have sufficient evidence to be added to the list.
  • This list should not be used to exclude people with underlying conditions from recommended measures for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
  • The process used to update the list is found on CDC’s Systematic Review Process page.

Purpose

This webpage provides an evidence-based resource for healthcare professionals caring for patients with underlying medical conditions who are at higher risk of experiencing severe outcomes of COVID-19. Severe outcomes of COVID-19 are defined as hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.

This page summarizes data from published reports, scientific articles in press, unreviewed pre-prints, and internal data that were included in literature reviews conducted by subject matter experts. Evidence used to inform the list of underlying conditions was determined by CDC reviewers based on available literature about COVID-19 at time of review. The information reflects evidence regarding underlying medical conditions and is intended to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care and to increase the awareness of risk among their patients.

The methods used to assess the conditions have changed during the pandemic as the amount of literature and types of studies increased. For instance, preliminary versions of this list focused on providing the latest information based on descriptive data. As the literature grew, CDC investigators categorized the literature by study design.

Since May 2021, the process has been updated to include a CDC-led review process that uses rigorous systematic review methods. To learn more about the process of CDC’s systematic reviews, see CDC systematic review process.

Background

Age is the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Patients with one or multiple of certain underlying medical conditions are also at higher risk.(13)

Additionally, being unvaccinated or not being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations also increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Providers should consider the patient’s age, presence of underlying medical conditions and other risk factors, and vaccination status in determining the risk of severe COVID-19-associated outcomes for any patient.

Demographic Factors

Studies have shown that COVID-19 does not affect all population groups equally. Three important factors are age, race, and ethnicity.

Age

Age remains the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, with risk of severe outcomes increasing markedly with increasing age. Based on data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) at NCHS (Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death By Age Group), compared with ages 18–29 years, the risk of death is 25 times higher in those ages 50–64 years, 60 times higher in those ages 65–74 years, 140 times higher in those ages 75–84 years, and 340 times higher in those ages 85+ years. Notably, these data include all deaths in the United States that occurred throughout the pandemic, from February 2020 to July 1, 2022, including deaths among unvaccinated individuals.

Risk of severe outcomes is increased in people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions and in people who are 50 years and older, with risk increasing substantially at ages >65 years.4,5 Residents of long-term care facilities are also at increased risk, making up less than 1% of the U.S. population but accounting for more than 35% of all COVID-19 deaths.6-10

Race and Ethnicity

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.11-13 Some racial and ethnic minority groups are also more likely to face multiple barriers to accessing health care including lack of insurance, transportation, child care, or ability to take time off from work.

Estimates of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. show that people from racial and ethnic minority groups are dying from COVID-19 disproportionately, and studies have identified racial and ethnic differences in at-home COVID-19 test use, vaccination coverage, and access to outpatient therapeutics.14-16 Data has shown that compared to non-Hispanic White people, people from racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Once infected, people from racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to be hospitalized, be admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 at younger ages.17

We are still learning about how the environments where people live, learn, and work can influence the risk for infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Summary of Conditions with Evidence

Evidence used to inform the list of underlying medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is presented in alphabetical order by study design section. Conditions are categorized as higher risk, suggestive higher risk, and mixed evidence.

Higher Risk (conclusive)

Higher risk is defined as an underlying medical condition or risk factor that has a published meta-analysis or systematic review or underwent the CDC systematic review process. The meta-analysis or systematic review demonstrates a conclusive increase in risk for at least one severe COVID-19 outcome.

Condition

Condition

Condition

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Asthma

Condition

Asthma

CDC Systematic Review [K]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [K]

Cancer

  • Hematologic Malignancies
Condition

Cancer

  • Hematologic Malignancies

CDC Systematic Review [O]
Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 18-22
Cohort Study 23-25
Case Series 26-28
Case Control Study 29

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [O]
Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 18-22
Cohort Study 23-25
Case Series 26-28
Case Control Study 29

Cerebrovascular disease

Condition

Cerebrovascular disease

Meta-Analysis 30-33
Synthesis of Evidence 34
Cohort Study 35-37

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 30-33
Synthesis of Evidence 34
Cohort Study 35-37

Chronic kidney disease*

  • People receiving dialysis 38,39 ^
Condition

Chronic kidney disease*

  • People receiving dialysis 38,39 ^

Meta-Analysis 33,40
Cohort Studies 36,41-62, 63*
Case Series 64-66

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 33,40
Cohort Studies 36,41-62, 63*
Case Series 64-66

Chronic lung diseases limited to:

  • Bronchiectasis
  • COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary hypertension
Condition

Chronic lung diseases limited to:

  • Bronchiectasis
  • COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary hypertension

 

  • CDC Systematic Review [A]
  • CDC Systematic Review [L]
  • CDC Systematic Review [D]
  • CDC Systematic Review [G]
  • CDC Systematic Review [G]
Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

 

  • CDC Systematic Review [A]
  • CDC Systematic Review [L]
  • CDC Systematic Review [D]
  • CDC Systematic Review [G]
  • CDC Systematic Review [G]

Chronic liver diseases limited to:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Alcoholic liver disease
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
Condition

Chronic liver diseases limited to:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Alcoholic liver disease
  • Autoimmune hepatitis

CDC Systematic Review [B]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [B]

Cystic fibrosis

Condition

Cystic fibrosis

CDC Systematic Review [M]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [M]

Diabetes mellitus, type 1

Condition

Diabetes mellitus, type 1

Meta-Analysis 67
Case Series 65
Cohort Study 35,68-73

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 67
Case Series 65
Cohort Study 35,68-73

Diabetes mellitus, type 2*

Condition

Diabetes mellitus, type 2*

Meta-Analysis 74
Systematic Review 75*
Gestational Diabetes Systematic Review 76*
Case Series 65
Longitudinal Study 77
Cohort Study 67,71,77-82

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 74
Systematic Review 75*
Gestational Diabetes Systematic Review 76*
Case Series 65
Longitudinal Study 77
Cohort Study 67,71,77-82

Disabilities‡, including Down syndrome

For the list of all conditions that were part of the review, see the module below

Condition

Disabilities‡, including Down syndrome

For the list of all conditions that were part of the review, see the module below

CDC Systematic Review [C]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [C]

Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies)

Condition

Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies)

Meta-Analysis 83-85
Cohort Study 35,36

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 83-85
Cohort Study 35,36

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)

Condition

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 86
Cohort Study 54,87-89
Case Series 90-92

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 86
Cohort Study 54,87-89
Case Series 90-92

Mental health conditions limited to:

  • Mood disorders, including depression
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Condition

Mental health conditions limited to:

  • Mood disorders, including depression
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 93,94

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 93,94

Neurologic conditions limited to dementia‡

Condition

Neurologic conditions limited to dementia‡

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 95-98
Cross-Sectional Study 99
Cohort Study 36,100

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 95-98
Cross-Sectional Study 99
Cohort Study 36,100

Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2 or >95th percentile in children)

Condition

Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2 or >95th percentile in children)

Meta-Analysis 101-103
Systematic Review 75*
Cohort 46,104-112;  63,113-116*

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 101-103
Systematic Review 75*
Cohort 46,104-112;  63,113-116*

Physical inactivity

Condition

Physical inactivity

CDC Systematic Review [E]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [E]

Pregnancy and recent pregnancy

Condition

Pregnancy and recent pregnancy

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 75,117
Case Control 118,119
Case Series 120-122
Cohort Study 123-126

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 75,117
Case Control 118,119
Case Series 120-122
Cohort Study 123-126

Primary immunodeficiencies

Condition

Primary immunodeficiencies

CDC Systematic Review [F]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [F]

Smoking, current and former

Condition

Smoking, current and former

Meta-Analysis 83,127,128-135

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 83,127,128-135

Solid organ or blood stem cell transplantation

Condition

Solid organ or blood stem cell transplantation

Meta-Analysis 108
Case Series 136-147
Cohort 148-151

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis 108
Case Series 136-147
Cohort 148-151

Tuberculosis

Condition

Tuberculosis

CDC Systematic Review [H]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

CDC Systematic Review [H]

Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications

Condition

Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 152
Cohort Study 153
Cross-Sectional 154
Case Series 155-157

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Meta-Analysis/ Systematic Review 152
Cohort Study 153
Cross-Sectional 154
Case Series 155-157

Suggestive Higher Risk

Suggestive higher risk is defined as an underlying medical condition or risk factor that did not have a published meta-analysis or systematic review or did not undergo the CDC systematic review process. The evidence is supported by mostly cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional studies. (Systematic reviews are available for some conditions for children with underlying conditions.)

Condition

Condition

Condition

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Children with certain underlying conditions

Read More: Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers

Condition

Children with certain underlying conditions

Read More: Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers

Systematic Review 158,159
Cross-Sectional Study 99,160,161
Cohort Study 100,162-169
Case Series 170,171

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Systematic Review 158,159
Cross-Sectional Study 99,160,161
Cohort Study 100,162-169
Case Series 170,171

Overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2 but <30 kg/m2)

Condition

Overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2 but <30 kg/m2)

Cohort Study111
Case Series110

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Cohort Study111
Case Series110

Sickle cell disease

Condition

Sickle cell disease

Cohort170-173
Case Series 170,173-188

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Cohort170-173
Case Series 170,173-188

Substance use disorders

Condition

Substance use disorders

Case-Control Study 189-191
Cohort Study 192,193

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Case-Control Study 189-191
Cohort Study 192,193

Mixed Evidence (inconclusive: no conclusions can be drawn from the evidence)

Mixed evidence is defined as an underlying medical condition or risk factor that has a published meta-analysis or systematic review or underwent the CDC systematic review process. The meta-analysis or systematic review is inconclusive, either because the aggregated data on the association between an underlying condition and severe COVID-19 outcomes are inconsistent in direction or there are insufficient (or limited) data on the association between an underlying condition and severe COVID-19 outcomes.

  • Limited: The evidence consists of one study, or several small studies with no comparison group, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn.
  • Inconsistent: The evidence suggests no clear direction of association, meaning no firm conclusions can be drawn.

Condition

Condition

Condition

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Condition

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [I]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [I]

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Condition

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [J]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [J]

Hepatitis B

Condition

Hepatitis B

Inconsistent: CDC Systematic Review [B]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Inconsistent: CDC Systematic Review [B]

Hepatitis C

Condition

Hepatitis C

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [B]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [B]

Hypertension*

Condition

Hypertension*

Inconsistent
Meta-Analysis 83,194-197
Systematic Review 198, 75*
Cohort Study 35,36,41,199-205
Case Series 206

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Inconsistent
Meta-Analysis 83,194-197
Systematic Review 198, 75*
Cohort Study 35,36,41,199-205
Case Series 206

Thalassemia

Condition

Thalassemia

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [N]

Evidence of Impact on COVID-19 Severity [Reference number]

Limited: CDC Systematic Review [N]

Footnotes:
* Indicates presence of evidence for pregnant and non-pregnant people

‡ Underlying conditions for which there is evidence in pediatric patients

^ Risk may be further increased for people receiving dialysis

Actions Healthcare Professionals Can Take

  • Support vaccination with approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccines (primary series and boosters), which are safe and effective. Check out the Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines as well as Stay Up to Date with your Vaccines and locations for COVID-19 vaccination for patients for more information.
  • Consider therapies, such as antivirals, when treating patients with mild to moderate illness and risk factors for severe illness. These therapeutics have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of hospitalization and death, and outcomes are improved if therapeutics are started within the first days of illness.
  • Encourage patients to keep appointments for routine care and adhere to treatment regimens for their medical conditions.
  • Consider use of telehealth when appropriate.
  • Encourage patients with underlying medical conditions, who are able to, to continue practicing preventive measures such as wearing a high-quality mask in order to decrease the risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. This becomes even more important with increasing age and number and severity of underlying conditions.
  • Check out additional information for your patients.
  • EVUSHELDTM, a monoclonal antibody combination that was used for pre-exposure prophylaxis to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection, is not currently authorized for emergency use in the United States because it is unlikely to be active against certain SARS-CoV-2 variants. According to the most recent CDC Nowcast data, these variants are projected to be responsible for more than 90% of current infections in the U.S. This means that EVUSHELDTM is not expected to provide protection against developing COVID-19 if exposed to those variants. Healthcare facilities and providers with EVUSHELDTM should retain all products in the event that SARS-CoV-2 variants that are neutralized by EVUSHELDTM become more prevalent in the U.S. in the future. For more information, see FDA’s announcement.

Considerations for Patients Within Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

  • Ask patients about their concerns about vaccines and therapy. Consider using an evidence-based and culturally sensitive approach, such as motivational interviewing. Try to provide trusted sources of information and other resources.
  • Encourage testing, as well as early treatment, for patients who are eligible.
  • Facilitate access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources.
  • Reduce barriers to accessing current outpatient treatments.

CDC strongly encourages healthcare professionals, patients and their advocates, and health system administrators to regularly consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines.

Key Findings from One Large Cross-Sectional Study

Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe Illness Among 540,667 Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19, March 2020–March 2021

This study used data from the Premier Healthcare Database, which represents approximately 20% of all inpatient admissions in the United States since 2000. This cross-sectional study of 540,667 adults hospitalized with COVID-19 included both inpatients and hospital-based outpatients with laboratory-diagnosed COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. The database included reports from 592 acute care hospitals in the United States. The study was designed to examine risk factors associated with severe outcomes of COVID-19 including admission to an ICU or stepdown unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death.

Main Findings:

  • Certain underlying medical conditions were associated with an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in adults.
  • Having multiple conditions was also associated with severe COVID-19 illness.
  • Obesity, diabetes with complications, and anxiety and fear-related disorders had the strongest association with death.
  • The number of frequent underlying medical conditions (present in ≥10.0% of patients) increased with age.207
The figure is titled, 'COVID-19 Death Risk Ratio (RR) for Select Age Groups and Comorbid Conditions.' While conditions like obesity and diabetes with complications were associated with a higher risk of death, people aged 85 or more years had the highest risk ratio of death.

Adapted from Sources:

  • Kompaniyets L, Pennington AF, Goodman AB, Rosenblum HG, Belay B, Ko JY, et al. Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe Illness Among 540,667 Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19, March 2020–March 2021. To learn more, visit the Preventing Chronic Disease article: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0123.htm
  • Pennington AF, Kompaniyets L, Summers AD, Danielson ML, Goodman AB, Chevinsky JR, Preston LE, Schieber LZ, Namulanda G, Courtney J, Strosnider HM, Boehmer TB, Mac Kenzie WR, Baggs J, Gundlapalli AV, Risk of Clinical Severity by Age and Race/Ethnicity Among Adults Hospitalized for COVID-19—United States, March–September 2020, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 8, Issue 2, February 2021. To learn more, visit: https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaa638
The graphic is titled, “Death risk ratio (RR) increases as the number of underlying medical conditions increases among adults hospitalized with COVID-19.” This figure shows the adjusted risk ratios of death by the number of underlying medical conditions among adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Patients’ risk of death increased the more underlying conditions they had compared with patients with no documented medical underlying conditions.

Source: Kompaniyets L, Pennington AF, Goodman AB, Rosenblum HG, Belay B, Ko JY, et al. Underlying Medical Conditions and Severe Illness Among 540,667 Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19, March 2020–March 2021. To learn more, visit the Preventing Chronic Disease article: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0123.htm

Resources

References