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Information for Higher Risk Individuals

Older adults (65 years and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, HIV or are pregnant) may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
  • Have enough prescription medicines, household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.

For more information, please click the photo tiles below for guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Resources

Cook County Resources

Cook County ShinyApp

IDPH

CDC

Updated September 2, 2020, 7:58 PM

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