Even though 2020 is in the rearview (thankfully), Covid-19 likely isn’t going away anytime soon—it’s still a serious health threat for many people, especially those who are at high risk of getting very sick from the virus. And many don’t realize it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being 50 years or older, living with diabetes (type 1 or type 2), or having chronic liver, lung, or kidney disease(s) are just some of the conditions that can increase the likelihood of serious illness and hospitalization from a Covid-19 infection. Other—and perhaps more surprising—high risk factors include being a current or former smoker, being overweight, and living with certain mental health conditions such as depression.
As we head into winter and the potential for a Covid-19 surge, Pfizer’s Know Plan Go campaign can help you identify if you or a loved one is at high risk for severe illness from the virus, and, most importantly, encourages you to make a plan and act quickly if you experience symptoms or test positive. This includes speaking with your doctor, who will be able to advise whether a prescription treatment option may be right for you to help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
One person who is looking to help get the word out is the decorated swimmer, Michael Phelps.
Why Is Michael Phelps Talking About Covid-19?
Anyone can be caught off guard by Covid-19, even someone who makes their health a priority. “I put in a lot of work to stay in good shape, both physically and mentally, so when I tested positive for Covid-19, I was surprised at how sick I felt,” says Phelps, who has struggled with depression for a good portion of his life. “The first day when I stepped out of bed, I thought my knees were going to shatter. I felt like every bone was just going to break. I didn’t know how to react because I didn’t know enough about why I was feeling so terrible. I was definitely scared.”
Phelps later learned that his depression puts him at a high risk for severe Covid-19, “which makes sense because I’ve experienced how mental health can affect physical health,” he says. “This was really eye-opening for me, and I know I’m not alone. There are so many people who don’t know they’re at high risk for getting very sick from Covid-19.”
Your Covid-19 Checklist
Early in the pandemic, uncertainty about the virus caused a lot of fear and anxiety. Fortunately, many more resources are available today to help people navigate Covid-19—including Pfizer’s Know Plan Go.
Once you know you’re at high risk of severe Covid-19, it’s time to develop a plan:
- Help protect yourself by being up to date on your vaccinations and scheduling an appointment to get a vaccine if needed.
- Have adequate masks and Covid-19 test kits at home.
- Ensure you have access to a doctor and a pharmacy to discuss treatment options or pick up a prescription.
- Make arrangements in advance for a close friend or family member to assist you with things like groceries, meals, and other items you might need while at home.
In the event that Covid-19 strikes, it’s critical to act fast and reach out to a doctor immediately, as mild symptoms can quickly become severe. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to speak with your doctor right away if you have symptoms or test positive,” Phelps says.
Your doctor can tell you if a prescription treatment option is right for you, based not only on your risk factors, but also on your medical history and current medications.
“I was lucky to have the right support system and a team of professionals in place to help me navigate my Covid-19 journey, but others aren’t as fortunate,” says Phelps. “Being part of the Know Plan Go initiative is important to me to help raise awareness and inspire others to act fast and speak with a doctor when they get Covid-19.”
Go to www.KnowPlanGo.com to learn more about factors that put you or your loved ones at high risk for severe Covid-19, how to develop a plan prior to experiencing any symptoms or testing positive, and the importance of acting quickly should Covid-19 strike.
© Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-C1D-USA-0023. November 2023.