When you have a chronic condition, it can affect your quality of life. In many cases, you can take certain steps to manage it and reduce your risk of complications. With COVID-19 being such a prevalent concern for many, it’s important to manage your chronic health problems and learn how to optimize your immune system and overall health. This begins with the help of an experienced doctor.
Chronic Diseases That Increase Vulnerability
Everyone reacts slightly differently to the virus, which varies based on the viral load a person receives, their immune system, and their overall health.
For many, COVID-19 only causes mild to moderate symptoms and poses minimal to no real threat. COVID-19 can also be worse for people who have certain chronic health conditions, such as cancer or a breathing problem like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your risk is also higher if you have certain heart problems like coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart failure. Sickle cell anemia, chronic kidney disease, or type II diabetes could also increase your risk of complications.
You could also experience complications if you have a condition that compromises your immune system, such as a need for a solid organ transplant. Certain other issues could increase your risk, as well, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, liver disease, or pregnancy.
How Chronic Diseases Affect COVID-19
With certain chronic health conditions, your immune system may not be able to fight the virus off easily. It could trigger a problem in another organ, or people could experience a complication if you have a lung condition.
Other health concerns may increase your risk of a complication for other reasons. For example, if you have a heart condition, you could have a heart attack triggered by a viral infection. Even an infection like the flu could trigger a heart attack in someone with heart problems.
People with certain types of cancer may be at a higher risk than others. Either the cancer or the treatment may weaken your immune system. In some patients, COVID-19 has caused kidney complications. In some of those cases, patients had to receive dialysis. Therefore, if you have an existing kidney problem, COVID-19 could cause a serious complication.
Reducing Your Risk of Complications
If you better manage your chronic health conditions, you can decrease your chances of experiencing complications from COVID-19. For instance, your doctor may provide you with a prescription that could keep your chronic health conditions under control, so they don’t interfere much if you should happen to contract COVID-19.
Additionally, if you make sure you’re meeting your daily recommended nutrient intake and receiving adequate exercise, you could better manage your condition and strengthen your immune system simultaneously. This could help, so the virus isn’t as severe, doesn’t last as long, and doesn’t cause serious complications.
Decreasing the Likelihood of Contraction
When you take care of yourself and manage your chronic conditions, you may strengthen your immune system. You also allow your body to be able to focus on the intruder in your body rather than the stress of chronic conditions.
Therefore, your body may be able to fight off the infection more effectively. You could be a person who is asymptomatic, meaning you don’t experience any symptoms from the infection.
Why Choose Our Rochester, NY Urgent Care Clinic
Cornerstone Urgent Care Center in Rochester, NY is there when you need us for your pressing health concerns. We’re also here to provide you with advice on how you can improve your overall health. Additionally, we realize with the current healthcare crisis that managing your chronic conditions is more important than ever before.
Book an appointment with us today by calling (585) 207-0088. You can also fill out our online form for a convenient way to schedule an appointment.
