This site is intended for U.S. residents. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.
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Know if you have a high-risk factor for severe COVID-19.
Be ready with a plan. And, if you test positive, act fast.
Almost 3 in 5 adult Americans are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.3 Are you one of them?
Mapping out a plan with your healthcare provider before COVID-19 strikes is one of the most important steps you can take to help prevent serious illness.1
Tested positive? It's time for action! Speak with your healthcare provider about whether a prescription for an authorized oral treatment is right for you.
It begins with learning if you have a high-risk factor.
Being at high risk for severe COVID-19 is more common than you think. In fact, nearly 200 million American adults have at least one risk factor that places them at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.3 And for people who are at high risk, symptoms that begin mild can quickly become severe.4 Unfortunately, many don't consider themselves at high risk or don't think serious illness or hospitalization could happen to them.5
Having diabetes, being aged 50+, or having chronic lung conditions like asthma are just some high-risk factors that can lead to severe illness, and even hospitalization, from a COVID-19 infection. Other risk factors, like being a former smoker, having depression, or being overweight, may surprise you.6
In addition to certain medical conditions, some people are at increased risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they can’t get healthcare. This includes many people from racial and ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities.
The list above does not include all possible conditions that may put you at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you have questions about a condition not included on this list, talk to your healthcare provider.
Visit the CDC website for the latest information and the full list of high-risk factors.
In addition to speaking with your healthcare provider for confirmation, fill out this easy-to-use questionnaire to find out if you may be at high risk for COVID-19 becoming severe, and assess if an authorized oral treatment might be right for you.
Prepare ahead in case COVID-19 strikes.
As soon as you know that you or a loved one are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take in case of an infection. An action plan is key in the event of a positive COVID-19 test. When you’re prepared, you can act fast.
First, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Visit vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment. The risk of hospitalization is greater in those that are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.7
You know your health situation best and that will inform how you make a personalized list of to-dos. If you test positive for COVID-19, your plan will remind you of the steps to take right away. Some starter suggestions are listed below that you may find helpful.
And lastly, encourage loved ones to make their own COVID-19 plan. Because nothing is more important than your family’s health.
This form can act as a handy checklist if you test positive for COVID-19. Fill it out now and, if you test positive, use it to discuss with your healthcare provider whether a prescription for an authorized COVID-19 oral treatment is right for you.
Tested positive for COVID-19? It’s time for action!
Testing positive for COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether a prescription for an authorized oral treatment is right for you.
You’re already aware of whether you have any high-risk factors and you’ve prepared for this moment. You’re ready to act right away.
Your healthcare provider is the go-to person to work with in this situation. They will consider your high-risk factor(s), along with your medical history and current medications, in determining whether an authorized oral treatment is right for you. Remember, being at high risk means timing is everything: Since mild symptoms can quickly become severe, it's important to act by starting an authorized oral treatment, if prescribed, within days of testing positive.2
It’s understandable if you feel concerned, scared, or upset when you get a positive test. But having your pre-planned, personalized action plan is a great way to push through that difficult time. Act decisively to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Stick to the strategy that you created with your healthcare provider to help reduce the chance of serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.1
There are convenient locations across the U.S. where you can be tested and prescribed treatment for COVID-19, if determined by a healthcare provider to be appropriate for you.
Stories
Different people with different high-risk factors share similar COVID-19 concerns.
When your risk is high, the stakes are too. Here’s what a few people have to say about COVID-19.
P!NK is a Grammy Award®-winning singer, gifted songwriter and trailblazing artist. P!NK is also deeply passionate about human rights and healthy living.
Questlove is an Academy Award®-winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and member of The Roots.
Jean Smart is an award-winning television, theater, and film actress.
Michael Phelps is a dad, husband, and one of the most world-renowned, decorated athletes of all time. He is a mental health advocate who inspires others to share their stories and prioritize their health.
“Having COVID-19 was a scary experience. Having asthma puts me at high risk for getting very sick from it. But now I’m ready to act quickly if COVID-19 strikes again. If I ever have symptoms – even if they’re mild – I know to get tested quickly and make the call to my doctor right away if my test is positive.”
Pink is a Grammy award-winning singer, gifted songwriter, and trailblazing artist. Pink is also deeply passionate about human rights and healthy living.
“Learning my weight puts me at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19 was illuminating and scary, but I feel empowered having this knowledge. Now I know, even if I have symptoms that seem mild, not to wait and reach out to my doctor immediately if I test positive. And I’m encouraging my friends and family to know their risk and make a plan too, so we’re all ready to go.”
Questlove is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and member of The Roots.
“Having diabetes puts me at high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19. My health is so important to me, so making a plan is a no-brainer. It’s simple. Know, plan, go.”
Jean Smart is an award-winning television, theater, and film actress.
“In my journey living with depression, I’ve learned a lot about how it can impact my overall health. But I was surprised to find out that depression puts me at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s important to know if you may have a high-risk factor and be ready to act should you test positive.”
Michael Phelps is a dad, husband, and the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time. He is also a mental health advocate who inspires others to share their stories and prioritize their health.
If you do not have a healthcare provider or your healthcare provider is not available, you may be able to connect with one through telehealth services. You can visit one of the following sites to connect with a healthcare provider.
Pfizer does not own or operate any of these telehealth platforms or the services they or their providers may furnish, and Pfizer accepts no responsibility or liability for them.
The above links are provided as a resource to our visitors and do not imply an endorsement or recommendation of a particular telehealth provider by Pfizer nor an endorsement of any Pfizer product by a company, provider, or platform.
Providers or telehealth companies do not pay a fee to Pfizer for inclusion on this website.
If these telehealth platforms match users with providers, the selection of a particular provider is determined by the criteria set by the platform and/or provider, not Pfizer. All treatment decisions are at the sole discretion of the provider based on the patient’s individual needs and risk-benefit profile.
This site is intended for U.S. residents. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.