How Comorbidities Affect COVID-19 Severity in the U.S.

Preliminary data from U.S. cases of COVID-19 bear out the increased morbidity, first noted in China, in patients with common underlying medical conditions.

At this point in the spread of COVID-19, quoting numbers of cases and their short-term outcomes (hospitalizations, deaths, and sequelae) is like chasing a jet plane down a runway on a bicycle. Today's data are out of date before the print dries. However, snapshots are useful for providing predictions and identifying steps that can be taken at the moment to mitigate the surge of infections. Information from the outbreak in China indicated that advanced age and its oft-attendant collection of comorbidities contribute significantly to the severity of infection and resultant hospitalization, the need for intensive care, and death.

To compare the effects of age and comorbidity on a U.S. population of COVID-19 patients, an analysis was performed o…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

How Comorbidities Affect COVID-19 Severity in the U.S.

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Reviewing Author