Risk Factors For Coronavirus Mortality

Coronavirus mortality is uneven across population groups. The most important risk factors identified so far are advanced age and a weakened immune system.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus causing the global pandemic. It is a new virus, so all of its characteristics are still under investigation. Among these are the risk factors for mortality from the coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are, in fact, a family of viruses. The culprit of this situation first appeared in December 2019, in the city of Wuhan. Currently, mortality from the coronavirus is close to 18% in people over 80 years old.

However, this figure is calculated as cases progress and the pandemic itself evolves. Until this situation is resolved, we cannot be sure about any aspect of the behavior of the virus.

However, thanks to all the studies that are being carried out, we can gradually decipher some data. On this basis, we explain in this article the risk factors for mortality due to the coronavirus according to scientists.

Coronavirus mortality: the numbers

As we have already mentioned, the death figures from the coronavirus, as well as the number of people infected and other parameters, are now based on statistics and data which are collected on a daily basis.

According to the latest studies, mortality can be classified according to age groups. Indeed, age seems to be the most important risk factor. Thus, it is estimated that 95% of deaths occur in people over 65 years of age.

Interestingly, the mortality from coronavirus in children is almost zero. In fact, in people under the age of 60, this figure is less than 1% of those infected. The other statistics obtained in Spain are as follows:

• In people aged 70 to 79, the death rate is around 5%
• The most affected age group – although there aren’t that many deaths – is between 50 and 60 years old

What are the factors that define mortality from coronavirus?

Age is the most important factor in coronavirus infection, according to a study published in The Lancet . More precisely, the fact of being old. As we have already mentioned, the people most at risk are those over the age of 80.

On the other hand, it seems that the number of deaths is higher among men than among women. Another factor that defines coronavirus mortality is the state of the immune system. In other words, people with weak immune systems are much more likely to suffer from a complicated infection.

In this group, we find people who suffer from pathologies such as HIV or cancer. But we must take into account that more common diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are also a risk.

Another determining factor is having a high level on the SOFA scale, scientists say. This scale is used in intensive care units (ICU) to assess the patient.

There are other medical parameters that are considered to be risk factors. For example, a low number of lymphocytes, impaired coagulation tests or an increase in certain molecules involved in inflammatory processes.

To consider

Although the risk factors for coronavirus mortality are gradually being identified, nothing can yet be concluded with certainty. The studies were conducted on small samples of people, so the results may not be entirely valid.

Despite this, we need to be clear that most deaths occur in the elderly. That is why we have to be particularly careful with this age group. The same goes for those who have suffered from all kinds of illnesses in the past, especially chronic ones.

Isolation measures are used to protect the most vulnerable groups from infection so that the impact of coronavirus mortality is not huge. Compliance with these measures is a benefit for everyone, but especially for our seniors.