Heart disease, diabetes and obesity

People with several chronic conditions are more likely to experience dangerous symptoms if infected with COVID-19. These include type 2 diabetes, severe obesity and serious heart diseases. High blood pressure and type 1 diabetes may increase your risk of serious COVID-19 symptoms.

Obesity and diabetes both reduce the efficiency of a person's immune system. Diabetes increases the risk of infections in general. The risk of infections, including COVID-19, can be reduced by keeping blood sugar levels controlled and continuing your diabetes medications and insulin.

Your risk of serious illness is higher if you have heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, heart failure or coronary artery disease. Continue to take your medications exactly as prescribed. If you have high blood pressure, your risk may be higher if you don't control your blood pressure and take your medications. Keep your high blood pressure controlled and take your medications as directed.