CDPH Issues Health Alert for COVID-19 Impacts on Individuals with Chronic Conditions

Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health alert, highlighting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on individuals with chronic health conditions. According to national surveillance data, COVID-19 can lead to severe outcomes in adults with underlying chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

Local health departments are advised to increase public messaging about the importance of routine care and promote participation in lifestyle programs such as chronic disease self-management. Clinicians are advised to encourage patients with chronic conditions to keep their medical appointments, maintain preventive health services, refill their prescriptions, manage their blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight, and quit smoking. Health systems and hospitals are advised to encourage patients with chronic conditions to participate in self-management classes and establish referrals to outpatient management with primary care clinics and/or community-based providers.

The full CDPH health alert is available here.