Updated CDC list of people at risk for severe COVID-19 illness eschews specific age thresholds

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated and expanded its list of people at risk of severe COVID-19 illness, the agency said yesterday.

CDC removed a specific age threshold for those more susceptible to COVID-19 infection as part of the update. Instead, CDC said the risk of severe illness increases steadily the older an individual is, mainly because underlying health conditions develop as a person ages. In addition, CDC said it updated the list of health conditions that could exacerbate COVID-19 illness, including chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes.

“We have to recognize reality,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, M.D. “Our nation isn't as healthy as some other nations, particularly if you look at obesity and some other medical conditions.”