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Two recent deaths at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital have reignited concerns over the vulnerability of individuals with comorbidities to COVID-19. A 59-year-old woman suffering from cancer and a 14-year-old girl battling end-stage kidney disease both passed away while under medical care. Though their primary causes of death were sepsis and kidney failure respectively, both tested positive for COVID-19 posthumously. Health authorities confirmed that the virus was not the direct cause of death in either case. However, these incidents highlight how comorbidities can intensify the impact of COVID-19, even when it is not the leading cause of death.
What Exactly Happened?
The teenage girl, diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, died due to kidney failure, a severe and common outcome of end-stage renal disease. The middle-aged woman had been undergoing cancer treatment and succumbed to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Although COVID-19 was not the principal factor in their deaths, its presence complicated their medical conditions. These deaths occurred at a time when multiple Asian countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and China, are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, Indian health officials maintain that the current domestic situation is under control.
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Understanding the Risk: What Are Comorbidities?
Comorbidities refer to the presence of one or more additional health conditions alongside a primary condition. When someone contracts COVID-19 while also dealing with chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, their risk of serious complications or death increases significantly. The body’s ability to combat infections becomes severely limited due to the strain of dealing with multiple health challenges simultaneously.
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Why Do Comorbidities Worsen COVID-19 Outcomes?
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions typically have weakened immune responses, making it harder to fight off infections like COVID-19. For example, diabetes can impair the immune system, while heart disease and obesity can place extra stress on the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When COVID-19 attacks such a compromised system, the likelihood of hospitalisation, intensive care, or even death becomes higher.
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Doctors and researchers have observed that the severity of COVID-19 correlates closely with certain chronic conditions. Below are some of the most common comorbidities that increase the risk of serious outcomes:
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- Heart Disease: People with heart failure or coronary artery disease are more vulnerable because COVID-19 can further strain the heart, leading to complications like heart attacks or worsening of existing heart conditions.
- Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are associated with higher risks. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to recover from infections.
- Chronic Lung Diseases: Conditions like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis make it more difficult for patients to breathe. COVID-19, which primarily affects the lungs, can turn dangerous very quickly in these individuals.
- Obesity: Obesity, particularly with a BMI of 40 or more, has been linked to more severe COVID-19 symptoms. Excess fat around the chest can make breathing harder and may contribute to lower oxygen levels during infection.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Patients on dialysis or with end-stage kidney failure are particularly susceptible. Their immune function is already compromised, and COVID-19 can aggravate kidney-related complications.
- Cancer: Cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or other immune-suppressing treatments, face a heightened risk. Not only is their immunity reduced, but their response to vaccines may also be less effective.
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Bottomline
While the virus may have become less severe in its latest forms, it still poses a serious threat to individuals with underlying health issues. Doctors emphasise that there’s no need for widespread panic, but people with comorbidities should remain vigilant. Proper disease management, timely vaccinations, and regular check-ups can make a significant difference.
Even as authorities reassure the public about the current COVID-19 situation in India, the recent deaths serve as a cautionary tale. For those living with chronic health conditions, the virus, though not always fatal, can tip the scales in an already fragile health situation.