Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses

Español | Other Languages
Print
Related Pages
What to know
  • In addition to CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance, there are several specific considerations for people who are at higher risk for severe illness.

Overview

Pictures representing different groups of people who may be at increased risk for severe illness from respiratory illnesses.

Illnesses caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV can make anyone sick. However, there are a range of risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of getting very sick (severe illness). Generally, people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people.

Making a plan

If you or someone around you has one or more risk factors for severe illness, using the prevention strategies described in CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance is especially important. In addition, there are several specific considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness:

Note

CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control). Federal civil rights laws may require reasonable modifications or reasonable accommodations in various circumstances. Nothing in this guidance is intended to detract from or supersede those laws.