Virus hits those suffering multiple health issues 50 per cent harder

SUFFERING from two or more longterm health conditions makes you 50 per cent more likely to become ill with Covid-19, a Scottish study has discovered.

Research led by the University of Glasgow is the first to link multiple problems with the likelihood of a positive coronavirus test result.

It is already well established that certain conditions, such as cancer and respiratory diseases, carry the risk of a severe Covid-19 infection. But little has been done to measure the risks in those with more than one health problem.

The study found that those with multiple long-term health conditions had a 48 per cent greater risk of a positive test result. For those with two or more diseases linked to the heart and blood vessels, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, it was 77 per cent higher.

The results will help manage the risks of those with long-term conditions.

Those who are seriously ill and seek medical help are more likely to get a test.

Study leader Dr Barbara Nicholl, a senior lecturer in general practice and primary care from the University of Glasgow, said: ‘These results will be important for public health and clinical decisions in the future as we continue to manage the health of those at greatest risk of a severe Covid-19 infection during this pandemic.’

People with two or more long-term health conditions who appeared to be most susceptible to infection were from deprived areas, of non-white ethnicity or considered severely obese. Those with reduced renal function were also at risk.

Underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer carry a higher risk of serious infection.

Those of non-white ethnicity who also suffer multiple health conditions have almost three times the risk.

The study was based on UK Biobank data. It included 428,199 adults aged between 37 and 73.