COVID-19 Knowledge Is Power — Period.
You’re tuned in to the rhythm of life. Make sure you’re tuned in to your body, too.
Gary, 65, living with asthma.
Susan, 68, living with depression.
Actor portrayals.
Left: Monica, 51, living with diabetes.
Middle: Aretha, 60, living heart disease.
Right: Mary, 50, living with high blood pressure.
Actor portrayls.
Health Risks
Are You at Risk?
COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared. As new variants of COVID‑19 continue to emerge and threaten our collective health, it’s important to stay informed.1 Managing multiple health conditions can further increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19 even if initial symptoms are mild.1
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, including being aged 50 and older, can increase the severity of illness when someone gets COVID-19.1 And the reality is, Black Americans are more likely to have many of the following conditions, which means a higher risk for severe COVID-19.
- Heart disease2,3
- Diabetes3
- Overweight and obesity3
- Chronic kidney disease3
- Asthma3
- Sickle cell disease3
- Mental health conditions such as depression3
COVID-19 can also make pre-existing conditions worse.1 Some may face higher chances of serious health problems, like being 4x more likely to experience a major heart event.4
Those who experience severe COVID can develop new health issues, like
- Heart conditions such as high blood pressure or blood clots5
- Diabetes, even if you don't have a history of prediabetes
- Mental Health Conditions such as depression and dementia7
Getting informed, getting tested and getting treated early can help you and the people you care about.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about what else might put you at higher risk.
External Conditions
Lifestyle and community play a crucial role in managing the impact of COVID-19. By understanding these factors, you can take proactive steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep the following in mind:
- Practice good hygiene like washing your hands, wiping door knobs, and covering your mouth while coughing
- Seek access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity
- Tap into local healthcare resources that support your well-being
With the appropriate knowledge and resources, you can take control of your health and help minimize the impact of COVID‑19.
Did You Know?
Black Americans are more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19
as compared to White Americans8
Understanding Symptoms
Listen to Your Body
COVID-19 can spread even if you have no symptoms.9 People can spread COVID-19 even if they are asymptomatic or before they develop symptoms. The list to the right shows some of the most common COVID-19 symptoms.10* However, severity and expression of symptoms are unique to everyone.
If something feels off, reach out to a healthcare professional.
*List does not include all symptoms.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
New loss of smell
and/or taste
Sore throat
Fever or chills
Muscle or body aches
COVID-19 Treatment Options
It’s Time to Talk
Treatment Options
If something feels off, it's important to act fast. Some prescription treatments need to be started within 3-5 days of feeling sick and may help keep symptoms from getting worse. For eligible patients, these treatments options may be low-cost or even free.
Veronica, 54, living with high blood pressure. Actor portrayals.
Don't wait, start the conversation early
Feeling off? Ask a healthcare professional if treatment is right for you, ideally within the first few days of symptoms or a positive test. The sooner you know your options, the more in control you'll feel.
Helpful question to ask your healthcare professional is whether over-the-counter medications or home remedies are okay to use alongside prescription treatments.
Prepare for Your Visit
Be Ready When Your Rhythm Shifts
Preparing for a visit can help you get the answers you and your healthcare professional need – together.
A Few Questions to Guide Your Visit
Am I considered at higher risk for severe COVID‑19?
Are there treatment options available for me?
What if I’ve taken COVID‑19 treatment before?
How soon should I start treatment if symptoms begin?
Can I use over-the-counter, home remedies, or continue other treatments while taking a COVID‑19 prescription treatment?
Here are some additional questions and tips to prepare you for your visit.
Don’t Miss A Beat
Want updates that help you stay informed? Sign up for the newsletter and get the latest COVID‑19 information and community resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Angela, 58, living with
depression.Actor portrayals.
References: 1. People with certain medical conditions and COVID-19 risk factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html 2. Kandil E, Attia AS, Youssef MR, et al. African americans struggle with the current COVID-19. Ann Surg. 2020;272(3):e 187-e190. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000004185 3. People with certain medical conditions and COVID-19 risk factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html 4. First-wave COVID-19 increased risk of heart attack, stroke up to three years later. National Institutes of Health. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/first-wave-covid-19-increased-risk-heart-attack-stroke-three-years-later 5. Heart problems after COVID-19. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/heart-problems-after-covid 6. Incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes after Covid-19. Rathmann W, Kuss O, Kostev K. Diabetologia. 2022;65:949-954. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-022-05670-0 7. Six-month neurological and psychiatric outcomes in 236,379 survivors of COVID-19. Taquet M, Geddes JR, Husain M, Luciano S, Harrison PJ. Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(5):416-427. Accessed March 16, 2026. 8. COVID-19-Associated Hospitalizations Among U.S. Adults Aged ≥18 Years - COVID-NET, 12 States, October 2023-April 2024. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11449267/ 9. How COVID-19 spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/socialmedia/syndication/405380/403327.html 10. Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html