You’re at high risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 if you come into contact with someone who’s carrying it, especially if you’ve been exposed to their saliva or been near them when they’ve coughed or sneezed.

Without taking proper prevention measures, you’re also at high risk if you:

• live with someone who has contracted the virus
• are providing home care for someone who has contracted the virus
• have an intimate partner who has contracted the virus

COVID-19 can be diagnosed similarly to other conditions caused by viral infections

Older people and people with certain health conditions have a higher risk for severe complications if they contract the virus. These health conditions include:

• lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma
• certain heart conditions
• immune system conditions, such as HIV
• cancer that requires treatment
• severe obesity
• other health conditions, if not well-controlled, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease

Pregnant women have a higher risk of complicationsTrusted Source from other viral infections, but it’s not yet known if this is the case for the 2019 coronavirus.