Coronavirus: Who is particularly at risk and why ?

Men, women and children are infected with the new 
Corona virus with equal density. But the consequences 
are very different. Decisive factors are age, gender and 
possible previous illnesses.

The new Corona virus can spread rapidly in the coming 
weeks and months, and two-thirds of the population will 
become infected. That is unlikely to change when the 
weather warms up again and the classic cold or flu 
season ends, says Christian Drosten, chief virologist at 
Berlin's Charité hospital.

However, the infection will appear mildly in most infected 
persons. A majority of the population will have formed 
anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the fall when the next 
cold wave arrives.

Why should older people in particular be protected?

Older people are particularly at risk, as the mortality rate 
increases exponentially from the age of about 65. 
In China, for example, the mortality rate of infected 
persons up to the age of 40 was 0.2%, but between the 
ages of 70 and 79, the mortality rate has already 
reached 8%, and by 80, the rate is 14.8%.

Therefore, in the coming weeks and months, the elderly, 
in particular, should be protected, especially if they suffer 
from prior illness. This risk group should actually avoid 
crowds, concerts or club meetings.

Grandmother and grandfather should not be used to care 
for grandchildren in quarantine or similar emergencies. 
On the contrary, younger family members must bring 
home shopping for the elderly so that they avoid 
unnecessary visits to the supermarket.

What previous diseases increase the risk of infection 
with Corona?

Almost all of the deceased were ill before their infection
 with Corona. According to a WHO case study in China, 
older people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high 
blood pressure, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer 
are particularly at risk.