COVID-19 Risk Factors – Know the Info!

Marvin Manzanero

While Belize has not detected new cases in more than a month, COVID-19 continues to spread around the world and more is being learnt about the virus. Now the virus is affecting more age groups and those with chronic diseases continue to be at high risk for complications associated with the disease.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“In terms of risk factors, because this is a changing situation, you can no longer say it is only affecting certain age groups. You will see reports coming that young adults can be equally affected and be in a hospital. Babies are now having rare syndromes which have been associated with viral infections; Kawasaki disease being one; Guillain Barre which has been associated to other viral conditions. But it is important for us to stress two items in there, chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are significant risk factors for complications related to COVID-19. People who are heavy smokers have permanent lung damage. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients have also a higher risk for complications; people who are having congestive heart failure. Obesity, we must underscore, seems to be a significant risk factor because even in young adults who are obese or teens who are obese may have a poorer prognosis than people who are otherwise healthy. “