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Hallberg's Picture of Health
Steven John and Dr. Jon Hallberg

Researchers gaining better understanding of what makes COVID-19 infections worse

Medical staff carry a patient infected with the novel coronavirus
Medical staff carry a patient infected with the coronavirus on a stretcher in France on March 29. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists seven conditions that are most likely to make people more susceptible to COVID-19.
Jean-Christophe Verhaegen | AFP via Getty Images file

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More than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are gaining a better understanding of what contributes to deaths and severe cases of the novel coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists seven chronic health conditions that are most likely to make people more susceptible to infection: chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunocompromised states such as having had an organ transplant, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease and Type 2 diabetes.

There is growing research showing that asthma, once thought to put people at greater risk, is less likely to lead to serious COVID-19 infections. Race, age and gender are also factors.

Dr. Jon Hallberg, medical director of the University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic, shared more with MPR News’ Steven John. Hear their conversation using the audio player above.