staff:

People who get the severe disease are more likely to fall within certain categories. From what we have seen so far, that’s people who have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, and chronic lung disease. They’re also more likely to be older: 

Generally, it seems that young people, children, and teens don’t really seem to get the severe disease. We’re not too sure why that is. We also don’t know if young people are ‘asymptomatic shedders’—meaning that they’re passing the virus on despite not showing symptoms. 

Being immunosuppressed means having a reduced immune function, for example, because of an underlying health condition or being on medication such as chemotherapy. This may increase the risk of severe disease based on what we know from other infections such as the flu.

Expectant mothers are at increased risk of many viral infections. It’s sensible to assume they may be at increased risk of COVID-19, too, and should, therefore, be managed as a high-risk group until evidence emerges to the contrary.

So, as it stands, anyone who has a possibly reduced immune function, that’s: 

• People over 70
• People with underlying health conditions: usually those that mean you’re eligible for a flu vaccine
• Pregnant women 

are advised to be extra cautious and follow physical distancing measures more stringently. 

Here’s a great article for looking after kids and babies, but we’ve not really seen kids getting severe infections. 

A Word on Pets 

While there has been one instance of an infected dog in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat, or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 mainly spreads through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Also includes the answer to questions from: @rebsadvodka, @mightbemadhatter, @disbean, @shogologo, @robbiecore & @paqe-jeshile, @leolaphine, @morbid-apricots, @angel-stains  

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