Predisposition of serious disease is different for old and young adults

(Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2022)

It is well documented that comorbidities predispose adults to serious disease. A question that arises is whether the risk factors are the same for young adults as they are for older adults. Molani et al. investigate this and find that risk factors for serious SARS-CoV-2-related disease differ between these two age groups. The retrospective study done by Molani et al. examines more than 6900 medical records, correlating the effects of age, comorbidities, and the severity of symptoms from contracting SARS-CoV-2.

Participating patients included individuals who were hospitalized after they received a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 between June 31st to November 15th of 2021. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation were excluded from this study. The sample ranged from 51 hospitals and 1081 clinics in five states. Patients were then divided into two subgroups: younger (age≥18 and<50 years with 1,963 patients), and older (≥50 years with 4,943 patients).

Originally published on Forbes on May 18, 2022.