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Am I At Risk?

Millions of Americans are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and flu. Antiviral treatments can help you prevent severe illness and get back to doing what you enjoy.

Learn More About Risk

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza (flu) continue to pose serious health risks, especially for older adults and people living with chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune conditions, and other illnesses.

While some cases may be mild, these viruses can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or even death for those at higher risk.

 

The good news: While vaccination remains the best way to help protect against COVID-19 and flu, if you do get infected, antiviral treatments can help you recover faster and prevent more serious illness. These treatments are especially important for those at higher risk — and starting them early can make all the difference.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

    • People 65-years old and older are at higher risk of COVID-19 and flu.
    • The risk of is also higher as the number of existing underlying or chronic illness increases, including*:
        • Asthma
        • Cancer
        • Cystic Fibrosis
        • Diabetes
        • Neurological Conditions
        • Disabilities
        • Heart Disease
        • HIV
        • Immunodeficiencies
        • Kidney Disease
        • Lung Disease
        • Mental Health Conditions
        • Obesity
        • Parkinson’s
        • Pregnancy
        • Smoking (current or former)
        • Substance Use Disorders

 

*Not a complete list of medical conditions. Some treatments may have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. Talk with your healthcare provider to help you make the best choice for your health

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Find Out If You May Be at Higher Risk

Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or flu—and whether you should consider early treatment if you get sick.**

Quick Risk Check

Am I at higher risk?

Answer a few questions to see if you may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or flu, and what steps to consider next.

This tool is for education only. It does not diagnose illness or replace medical advice from a healthcare provider.

How old are you?
Are you pregnant or were you recently pregnant?

Pregnancy and the weeks after pregnancy can raise the chance of severe illness from respiratory infections.

Do you have a weakened immune system?

This can include immune conditions, certain medicines, cancer treatment, transplant medicines, or other situations that affect your immune response.

Do any of these health factors apply to you?

Select all that apply.

Are you sick right now?

If you have emergency warning signs or symptoms that feel severe, seek medical care right away.

If you are unsure about your risk or symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. If symptoms are severe or urgent, seek medical care right away.

 

**Talk with your healthcare provider to help you make the best choice for your health.

Treatment Options Are Available

If you get sick, treatments can help prevent more serious illness and help you feel better faster.

For COVID-19:

    • Oral antivirals (pills) taken at home
    • IV antivirals given in a healthcare setting

 

For Flu:

    • Antiviral medications that can shorten illness and reduce complications

 

Talk to a healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you.

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Timing Matters.

    • COVID-19 treatments must start within 5-7 days from the start of symptoms
    • Flu treatments work best within 48 hours from the start of symptoms

 

The sooner you act, the better antiviral  treatments work.

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Learn more. Download our resource below.

Know Your Risk
Treatments | Immunocompromised
Know Your Risk
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