AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- As Travis County closes in on nearly 1,300 deaths due to COVID-19, health officials say 95 percent of the reported deaths had at least one comorbidity, with more than half having two or more.
As of Monday evening, Feb. 7, local health officials had reported 1,282 deaths due to COVID-19 in the county.
“Much of our community is at high risk for COVID-19 due to comorbidities. These patients often experience severe symptoms of the virus, which can mean longer hospital stays and death,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Those who are higher risk must get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing.”
Hypertension is the top reported comorbidity, in nearly half of the reported deaths; diabetes, cardiac disease, and chronic kidney disease are other significant comorbidities, according to the reported data.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show that people from racial and ethnic minority groups often develop chronic medical conditions at younger ages, leaving them more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19.
Officials continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, including boosters. As of Monday, Feb. 7, officials reported just over 70% of eligible residents in Travis County were fully vaccinated.
Details on vaccine providers can be found online at vaccines.gov, or by calling 3-1-1.