Report Highlights '5 Risk Factors' to Watch Out for During Respiratory Virus Season

New York — On Wednesday (Jan. 8), U.S. local media reported that various respiratory viruses affect individuals differently—some may only need a few days off work, while others may require a longer recovery period. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of severe illness caused by novel coronavirus (COVID-19), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The report stated that high-risk individuals should take precautions to maintain good health. These include elderly people who are otherwise healthy and have received vaccinations on schedule, as well as pregnant women who have been vaccinated to protect their unborn children. Vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness.

The report highlighted five key risk factors that should be noted:

   1.Age

   2.Chronic diseases (such as heart and lung conditions, obesity, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease)

   3.Weakened immune system 

   4.Pregnancy

   5.Vaccination status

The report concluded by noting that each year, millions of Americans become ill from various respiratory viruses. However, vaccines can help prevent people from becoming one of the hundreds of thousands who require hospitalization due to severe illness. They also help reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, thereby protecting high-risk individuals and the wider community.

Source:
Xinhua News