Am I at risk for coronavirus?

By Lorelei Yang and Josh Herman, Countable News

Are some people more at risk?

As with the cold and flu, people with weaker or compromised immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness, including:

• The elderly (especially people older than 80 years old).
• People with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

“Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease, and the risk increases with age,” says Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

• There is no evidence that children are more susceptible.

For the symptoms of corona, click here.

Am I likely to get sick?

For U.S. residents, the current threat posed by the novel coronavirus is relatively low.

According to the CDC:

"For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States."

How can I reduce my risk of exposure?