COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, has dominated the news over the past several weeks. Most states have mandatory stay-at-home orders, with non-essential businesses being closed and travel limited or restricted. And while staying home can reduce your chances of being infected, that’s not always a possibility for all individuals and families. In addition, all it takes is a single member of your household to become infected to potentially spread it to others.
Thankfully, many people who become infected with COVID-19 experience only minor symptoms, and some are asymptomatic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that while there’s limited data and information regarding the disease, it’s important for certain groups of people to take extra precautions due to their increased risk levels. Those groups include:
- Older adults—Adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk of severe illness if they get infected with COVID-19. The CDC recommends that they stay home, wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, and avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- People with pre-existing health conditions—COVID-19 infection can weaken people who are already sick or dealing with symptoms and complications of other health problems, including chronic lung disease, asthma, immunocompromised, obese, diabetic, and with chronic kidney disease.
- Nursing or long-term care facility residents—Viruses can pass quickly and aggressively through healthcare facilities, especially those where residents come into close contact with each other, such as nursing homes and care facilities.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our drug injury lawyers are hopeful that the pandemic is curbed as quickly as possible. In meantime, we’re still available to consult with anyone who has been injured by a defective medical device or medication. Contact us today for a free consultation if you need help.