Weekly Update: Certain minorities may have higher risk of COVID-19
Hi everyone!
This week we came out with a few more articles and also held an article contest! The article of the winner of the contest will be posted soon! Read the rest of our articles on our website!
This week, I read an article focused on race and COVID-19 risk. I have heard of many diseases and disorders having a higher risk in certain minorities, such as certain types of cancer, strokes, and high blood pressure, most of which are higher risk for African Americans (Sowemimo, 2019). The article, titled How does risk vary for Black and Asian patients with COVID-19? by Timothy Huzar discussed how Black, Asian, or mixed ethnicities may be at more risk for COVID-19. Differences in risk based on ethnicity could be due to socioeconomic factors, genetic differences, education, etc. In a study done recently, it was found that Black and mixed ethnicities were more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID compared to whites. While Asian ethnicities did not have as high of a hospitalization rate, they were more likely to go into ICU’s and had higher death rates due to COVID.
Being an Asian, this data does seem slightly scary, as I could have these higher chances if I got COVID. However, I do not know for certain that these results could be accurate for all people. These minority groups do already have higher risk for underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or other heart problems. Those with underlying conditions are affected by COVID more, so there could be some connection there. More data may be needed to fully confirm that these connections are fully accurate. In the mean time, we should all continue social distancing, washing our hands, and keeping safe from COVID-19!
References
Huzar, T. (2020, October 18). How does risk vary for Black and Asian patients with COVID-19? Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-does-risk-vary-for-black-and-asian-patients-with-covid-19
Sowemimo, F. (2019, February 12). 7 Common Health Concerns African Americans Should Monitor. Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.centrastate.com/blog/7-common-health-concerns-african-americans-should-monitor/
Article written by Sreelakshmi Raghav, Founder of Everyday Med
