At Risk IndividualsIndividuals & Families
People with certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illness have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. When an individual with any of these underlying conditions contracts COVID-19, their preexisting condition, or “comorbidity,” increases the chances of severe symptoms and even death.
In Shelby County, 94% of deaths related to COVID-19 have had a preexisting condition — or comorbidity. People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
• Diabetes
• Respiratory illness like COPD
• Obesity
• Cancer
In addition, the CDC advises that additional factors, such as your unique individual situation or where you live, may influence the need to take extra precautions against COVID-19:
Your Individual Situation
• Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• People with Disabilities
• Developmental and Behavioral Disorders
• Drug Use and Substance Use Disorder
Where You Live
• People Living in Rural Communities
• People Experiencing Homelessness
• Newly Resettled Refugee Populations
• Nursing Home and Longer-Term Care Facilities
• Group Homes for People with Disabilities
Learn more about those who may need extra precautions.
For answers to specific questions, call the Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 Call Center at 901-222-MASK (6275). The Shelby County Health Department is available to take calls 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Sunday.New Text Module
At-Risk Individuals
Learn more about if you might be an “at-risk” individual and what extra precautions you might take.
What You Can Do If You Are At Higher Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19
People at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include older adults, people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.
COVID-19 Associated Hospitalization Related to Underlying Medical Conditions
Travelers
Learn more about what you need to know about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic and when you should delay travel.
Traveling During COVID-19
Learn more about what you should consider before traveling, what to consider if you travel, the type of travel and tips to avoid getting and spreading COVID-19 in common travel situations