People at Increased Risk

Increased Risk of Hospitalization or Death

For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.

Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may require:

• hospitalization,
• intensive care, or a
• ventilator to help them breathe, or
• they may even die.

Age Increases Risk for Hospitalization

Older adults are at greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. As you get older, your risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 increases.