According to the CDC and WHO, people at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 include adults over 60 and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD
• Obesity
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cancer
• Sickle cell disease
• People with compromised immune systems

People with compromised immune systems include those:

• With primary or acquired immunodeficiency
• On anti-rejection therapy following organ or bone marrow transplant
• On biologic therapeutic agents
• With malignant cancers or receiving or who have recently received chemotherapy
• Receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapy, including corticosteroids equivalent to 20 mg a day of prednisone for 2 weeks or longer

If you are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, watch closely for symptoms and emergency warning signs. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Get medical attention immediately if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, including:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), formerly referred to as pediatric multi-symptom inflammatory syndrome or PMIS, have been reported in parts of the U.S. and Europe. 

Experts suspect that in children with multi-symptom inflammatory syndrome, the virus may trigger the immune system to overreact and cause widespread inflammation throughout the body.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says health experts are still learning about how this new coronavirus spreads. It is thought that the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets in the air caused by coughing, sneezing or talking
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)

If you are ill, stay home and rest. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wear a mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that by covering your mouth and nose, you’re significantly lowering the chances of spreading infection through small droplets that come out of your mouth when you talk, sneeze and cough. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (Watch the video: "Wash Your Hands: Fight Germs with the University of Michigan Fight Song" for a "Go-Blue" approved demonstration of how to do this.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and anyone outside your household, whether they appear to be sick or not. Some people may carry the virus but may not show many symptoms.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu vaccine.

For information about COVID-19 specific to the state of Michigan, visit the State of Michigan COVID-19 website. To find a COVID-19 testing location, visit the COVID-19 Test Finder page on the Michigan.gov website.

For more up-to-date medical information about COVID-19, including what to do if you're sick, symptoms, data, and more, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 website.