Illnesses caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV can make anyone sick. However, there are a range of risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of getting very sick (severe illness). Generally, people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people.
Making a plan
If you or someone around you has one or more risk factors for severe illness, using the prevention strategies described in CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance is especially important. In addition, there are several specific considerations for people with certain risk factors for severe illness: