The prevalence of underlying health conditions that increase the risk of severe health outcomes related to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, researchers and health professionals have noted large differences in the impact that the infection has on individuals. Whereas some remain asymptomatic and unaware of their infection or experience only mild symptoms, others require hospitalization, ventilation, and may even die. As research evidence accumulates, both nationally and internationally, it appears that certain health characteristics, such as obesity or the presence of chronic conditions, increase the risk of severe outcomes among those who are infected with the novel coronavirus.

To better understand which segments of the Canadian population may be vulnerable to severe health outcomes related to COVID-19, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have worked collaboratively to build an index of underlying health conditions in the adult household population. Using information from the 2017/2018 Canadian Community Health Survey, new data tables released today estimate the proportion of the adult household population who may be at greater risk of severe health outcomes related to COVID-19 due to the presence of underlying health conditions.