What to do if you are in a high risk demographic for COVID-19

Among adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the U.S.:

• Estimated percent requiring hospitalization
  • 31-70% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 31-59% of adults 65-84 years old
• Estimated percent requiring admission to intensive care unit
  • 6-29% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 11-31% of adults 65-84 years old
• Estimated percent who died
  • 10-27% of adults 85 years old and older
  • 4-11% of adults 65-84 years old

• If you have a serious underlying medical condition
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid close contact (6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
  • Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
  • For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, see CDC’s How to Protect Yourself

• Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may result in increased stress during a crisis.
• Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
• Learn more about stress and coping.

Things you can do to support yourself

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.