Who is considered at high risk for severe disease?
The following people are considered at high risk for severe disease:
- People aged 65 and older
- People in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if they are not well controlled
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Immunosuppressed following solid organ transplant
- Obesity (BMI >30)
- Serious heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type II Diabetes
People may be at increased risk due to the following conditions:
- Asthma (moderate-severe)
- Cerebrovascular disease (affecting blood vessels to the brain)
- Cystic fibrosis
- High blood pressure
- Immunocompromised (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplants, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medications
- Neurologic conditions such as dementia
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Smoking
- Thalassemia
- Type I Diabetes
Can I injure myself using the swab?
The Swab is sterile and safe to use. Gently insert the entire absorbent tip of the swab (usually 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch) into your nostril (Note: With children, you may not need to insert the swab as far into the nostril.). You may experience some discomfort when swabbing your nose, but this is to be expected. Do not insert the Swab any further if you experience sharp pain.
I have a nosebleed after swabbing my nose. What should I do?
In the unlikely event your nose starts bleeding, do not insert the Swab again. Apply pressure to your nose until the bleeding stops and consult a healthcare professional.