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With more than 20,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Louisiana, many people are on high alert for virus symptoms. This is particularly true for people with chronic medical conditions.

Early research indicates those with hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma, kidney disease and heart disease tend to be more prone to contracting COVID-19 or having more severe complications with the virus.

Others who should be especially careful include people taking treatments such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medications, which can lead to weaker immune systems.

Dr. Deirdre Barfield, senior medical director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, said people may be more susceptible if their chronic condition is poorly controlled.

“It doesn’t mean that if you have those conditions, you will die, but it makes the COVID-19 complications harder to treat,” she said. “People with chronic conditions have bodies that are already being stressed, especially if the conditions are not well-controlled. This is just the tipping point to push them into being much sicker.”

She noted the impacts of COVID-19 will be studied for months to come. However, initial research is starting to show these correlations.

While people of any age can have a chronic condition and contract COVID-19, many of these conditions do appear more frequently in older people.

Asymptomatic people can carry and transmit the virus, so relatives of those with chronic conditions should be extra cautious.

“You can have no symptoms and still be contagious, and that means you really are placing people at risk,” she said. “You go around your older mom or dad thinking you’re healthy, and then the next thing you know, you’ve infected them and they might not have the same ability to fight it.”

Besides practicing social distancing, Pamela Miller, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana community on-site nurse, said people with chronic conditions can take steps to help manage their health.

“Make sure you’re adhering to proper nutrition,” Miller said. “If you are on a specialized diet, now is the time to really make sure you are adhering to it to avoid complications and keep your immune system strong. Rest and sleep are also very important. Take medications as prescribed. Check your blood sugar or blood pressure. If you have asthma or COPD, avoid triggers as much as possible.”

Miller added that thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains a critical step.

Barfield emphasized that anyone on prescribed medication needs to continue taking it as ordered. Most insurance plans now allow people to refill prescriptions early.

Getting outside and moving around each day can also help, Barfield said. Even a simple walk in the sunshine can lead to improved circulation and stimulation of the immune system.

Once stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions are lifted, Miller said people with chronic conditions may still need to take extra measures to protect themselves. That could mean maintaining distances when in public, avoiding crowds, washing hands thoroughly and frequently and wearing a mask when in public.

Miller added most medical practices now have ways to continue to treat people with chronic conditions. That may include scheduling only one or two patients at a time, conducting at-home treatments or telehealth appointments with physicians and therapists.

“There are options for people to get the services they need,” she said. “Most providers are making accommodations to ensure people continue to receive the proper care.”

– This story is brought to you by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana