Does anyone know what the “underlying conditions” are that are particularly dangerous? The reports say that the deaths have been largely older people with underlying conditions but none that I have seen mention any of them by name. Are we talking cancer? heart disease? diabetes?
New presumptive case in Oregon: https://www.eastoregonian.com/news/local/umatilla-county-resident-tests-presumptive-positive-for-coronavirus/article_59fef3be-5cb1-11ea-b063-379d2c994d89.html
I’ve heard cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness obviously. Smokers and ex smokers were high risk according to one study.
Add most anything that would weaken the immune system. Like age.
(It’s a dicey balance — you don’t want the immune system to overreact, either.)
“Underlying conditions” is probably just a term to use so the general public doesn’t panic. Thing is, everyone has underlying conditions whether they know it or not. Old age and young age is a condition. Any ailment from Alzheimer to arthritis to chewed to the quick nails are conditions.