The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be an issue. In places alraedy hit hard by the virus, medical personnel are having to do their jobs without adequate protection. We certainly can’t survive if we lose medical personnel. The problem still appears largely to be a consequence of hoarding. That and failure to recognize the pending crisis in time to do something about it.

I did some research today on underlying conditions. According to what I found, the three issues are age, gender, and underlying medical conditions. The death rate for people with no underlying medical conditions was <1%. But for people with other medical pro blems, it was significantly higher:

1. Cardiovascular, 10.5%
2. Diabetes, 9.3%
3. Respiratory issues, 6.3%
4. High blood pressure, 6.0%
5. Cancer, 5.6%

I’m not exactly sure what this means. My diabetes and HBP are both controlled by medication and diet. Does that negate them as underlying conditions? Without more info, I don’t know if I’m at greater risk or not, but it is certainly scary. Another article says diabetes is the #1 risk factor because it suppresses your immune system. But again, I need to clarify whether or not they mean diabetes if it is under control. My sugar is great since the quarantine started. Eating right and exercising — who knew?

This particular article (sorry, didn’t write down the source) didn’t mention obesity, but I’ve heard that mentioned a lot as a risk factor. However, it isn’t clear if there’s actually evidence about that or if they are just assuming obese people are less healthy and consequently more at risk.

GRAPHIC: CDC Public Domain