People with underlying conditions, high-risk for COVID-19 warned to stay at home no matter what

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — While there is now a stay-at-home advisory in Allegheny County -- residents only supposed to go out if they absolutely need to -- doctors told Channel 11 it is imperative that those with underlying conditions stay home no matter what.

The information, new studies, therapies and vaccines regarding COVID-19 seem to update almost daily.

But one of the things doctors have stressed from the beginning of the pandemic is that if you have an underlying condition, you are most at-risk of serious coronavirus complications.

“The most vulnerable include those who are above the age of 60 and underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, asthma, emphysema, people who are immune suppressed like cancer (and) chemotherapy,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, infectious disease doctor with Johns Hopkins University.

But it’s not only people with underlying health conditions. There are other reasons people could be at an elevated risk. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Even if the virus itself isn’t hard on your body, the ‘long-haul’ aftereffects could be -- something doctors have learned more about as the months have gone on.

Under the stay-at-home advisory, people are still allowed to leave to go to work, school or do anything necessary, such as getting groceries or medicine.

But for people who have an underlying condition, a pulmonologist with AHN said you shouldn’t even do that.

“Even if it’s just for grocery shopping, I know people are practicing social distancing and wearing their mask and trying to do proper hygiene, but at the end of the day you are still out there and can contract the disease,” Dr. Meilin Young said.

However, no matter what condition someone may have, both doctors said there is no telling how the virus can affect anyone specifically because each case is unique.

What can you do if you are at higher risk? CLICK HERE

A look into the months ahead as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

Cox Media Group