Are breast cancer patients at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 is low for most people. However, it's very important to know that people who are currently diagnosed with cancer, including breast cancer, have a higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.
Are cancer patients more likely to contract the coronavirus disease?
Cancer patients and survivors may have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and other infections. They, and people who live with and take care of them, should take steps to protect their health.
Should I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine: If you haven't gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.
Are people with cancer at higher risk of severe COVID-19?
If you have cancer, you have a higher risk of severe COVID-19. Other factors that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 include having a weakened immune system (being immunocompromised), older age, and other medical conditions.
Which groups of people are at increased risks of severe illness from COVID-19?
Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Who is most at risk for the coronavirus disease?
Older adults are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than the number of deaths among people ages 18-29 years.
Can you get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time?
Yes. It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
What medicine should you not take before COVID-19 vaccination?
It is not recommended you take over-the-counter medicine (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen) before vaccination for the purpose of trying to prevent vaccine-related side effects. It is not known how these medications might affect how well the vaccine works.
What are some medications that are safe to take with the COVID-19 vaccine?
Taking one of the following medications is not, on its own, a reason to avoid getting your COVID-19 vaccination:• Over-the-counter medications (non-prescription)• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)
Are people with autoimmune diseases considered high risk for COVID-19?
Researchers have reported higher rates of severe COVID-19 and death in people with autoimmune disease than in the general population. It is unclear whether this is attributable to the autoimmune disease, the immunosuppressive medications taken to treat it, or both.
Are immunocompromised people more likely to get COVID-19?
Being immunocompromised can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or be sick for a longer period of time. People who are immunocompromised or are taking medicines that weaken their immune system may not be protected even if they are up to date on their vaccines.
Which organ system is most often affected by COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can trigger what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs).