Co-existing or co-occurring health conditions are referred to as Comorbidity, i.e. existence of more than one disease or condition in a person at the same time. The conditions are often chronic or long-term. Dr. Rajesh Vukkala, MD (General Medicine), Consultant Physician at VINN Hospital, Hyderabad, says “Chronic conditions can be diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney, liver or heart disease, lung disease, etc. These may affect the long-term, normal lifespan of a person. Some of these have been highlighted to have more impact on the COVID-19 infection”.
Therefore, for the past eight months, since the novel coronavirus hit the world, there has been constant research about who is at a higher risk of getting infected with the virus. And thus, the term ‘Comorbidity’ was also highlighted. In regard to the novel coronavirus, Dr. Rajesh explains that age is criteria. As one age, their body functionality is compromised, which is why age is a risk factor or comorbidity in relation to COVID-19 infection. Likewise, people with uncontrolled diabetes may have a greater impact of the virus as compared to those who have had controlled diabetes over the past few years. Therefore, the affection of the virus may be variable between them.
Obesity, diabetes, and pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels are all predictive of higher incidents of death in COVID-19 patients. The more of these diagnoses that you have, the worse the outcomes, said the study from the new Tulane University.
Similarly, people with hypertension may be at a higher risk of getting infected with the virus. “Hypertension is related to blood circulation in the body. If the blood circulation is not proper, the functionality of the body is disturbed, affecting the vital organs like the heart, liver, and brain. Thus, resulting in compromised immunity. Which is why it is another risk factor”.
Diabetes and hypertension have been highlighted in a bigger number, more than other health conditions as comorbidity which may worsen the symptoms of COVID-19 in a person. India has a huge population of people living with these two health conditions. And therefore, these people are more prone to the intensity of the infection, hence causing more complications and morbidity.
However, the novel coronavirus cannot be defeated unless the researchers come up with a vaccine or a specific medication. But, “Maintaining the normalcy of the body’s equilibrium by regulating the blood sugar levels and blood pressure, the immunity can be improvised. Also, sleep well and ensure that your brain and body both get adequate amounts of rest. If the immune levels are maintained very well, the affection of the virus will be very less.” says Dr. Rajesh. Apart from this, he also recommends eating a balanced diet, consisting of ample amounts of proteins, vitamins, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as they are known to improvise the body state of defense.
Therefore, since prevention is better than cure, one must know that any bodily dysfunction can cause a greater impact of the virus on the body and so, one must take extra precautions in such conditions.
